Riverside County District Attorney Mark T. Williams announced that Gregory Allen pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Samuel Carter.
Allen entered the plea after jury selection began in Riverside County Circuit Court.
Police responded around 6 a.m. July 17, 2024, to the intersection of Oak Lane and Willow Street after reports of a shooting.
Officers found Carter lying in the street with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, according to investigators.
Detectives learned that two residents walking their dog discovered the body and called the police.
Carter’s partner told officers he had left earlier that morning to take a walk with Allen. A friend later told investigators he had been walking with both men shortly before the shooting.
Court testimony showed an argument broke out during the walk. Prosecutors said Allen struck Carter in the back of the head with a handgun, which led to the fatal shooting.
A judge sentenced Allen to 35 years in prison, with five years suspended. He will serve 30 years in the custody of the California Department of Corrections, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
“Mr. Carter served our country with honor as a Marine and survived overseas combat, only to lose his life here at home after a dispute turned deadly,” Williams said. “This case shows how quickly arguments involving guns can end in tragedy. Our office will keep working to hold those responsible for violent crimes accountable.”
