By Emerson Drake
5/2/11
Arrest in Off-Duty ShootingKari Abbey, a six year employee of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, was arrested today for the shooting death of Rita Elias.
“This is a tragedy for everyone involved” said Sheriff Adam Christianson. “We offer our deepest condolences to the Elias family.”
Sheriff Christianson said in an earlier statement that the shooting appeared to be self-defense. That statement was based upon the only information available to him at the time of the incident.
Evidence was subsequently uncovered during the ongoing investigation, including the presence of an additional witness, that led to the referral of criminal charges.The shooting, which occurred on September 24, 2010 in the 1700 block of Donald Street in Modesto, was investigated by the Sheriff’s Homicide Team and then turned over to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department will make no further comments regarding this pending criminal prosecution.
For information regarding this press release please contact: Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office (209) 525-5550
"Sheriff Christianson can't cover-up for his deputies shooting people any longer"..."Sheriff you need to RESIGN your position for the good of the citizens of Stanislaus County" said former Mayor of Modesto Carmen Sabatino.
