Sevens Legal Defense Attorney Representing Client Suspected in Campland by the Bay Killing
Sevens Legal defense attorney Sue Gerard recently appeared on NBC San Diego News in a clip from the video arraignment of her client, accused of first-degree murder in the deadly Campland by the Bay shooting. Ms. Gerard’s client, 38-year-old Michael Callahan, is suspected of shooting and killing 49-year-old Ryan Abbott following an argument between the two men that took place in the pool area of the San Diego RV resort. Callahan faces charges of first-degree murder with a firearm allegation and could serve up to 50 years to life in prison if convicted. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with murder or another homicide offense in San Diego, do not hesitate to seek qualified legal help. Call Sevens Legal today at (619) 430-2355 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced homicide defense attorneys
Key Takeaways
- Sevens Legal defense attorney Sue Gerard is serving as legal counsel for the man accused of murder in the deadly Campland by the Bay shooting in San Diego.
- Michael Callahan faces a single count of first-degree murder with a firearm allegation in the shooting.
- If convicted, Callahan could face up to 50 years to life in state prison.
Deadly Shooting at Popular San Diego RV Resort
The shooting at Campland by the Bay, a popular beachfront resort located on the shores of Mission Bay where families often go camping and take their kids to play, took place on the evening of May 16, 2023, shortly after 10 p.m. According to reports, Ms. Gerard’s client, Michael Callahan, had a verbal disagreement with the victim, Ryan Abbott, and then briefly left the area. The San Diego Police Department says Callahan returned with a handgun, confronted Abbott, and shot him in the chest. Abbott was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. Callahan was formally charged on May 19, 2023, and is being held without bail. He faces a single count of first-degree murder with a firearm allegation in the shooting.
Understanding First-Degree Murder Charges in San Diego
The crime of murder falls under the category of homicide charges, which can be brought against any person accused of killing another person, either lawfully or unlawfully. Murder charges in California are covered under Penal Code § 187, which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. There are three degrees of murder under California law: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and capital murder. The penalty for first-degree murder, defined as a premeditated killing with malice aforethought, is 25 years to life in state prison. To be convicted of first-degree murder, the defendant must be found guilty of the crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.” That means the prosecution must prove each of the following elements:
- The defendant acted with the intent to kill
- The defendant planned the killing before it was committed, and
- The defendant acted with malice aforethought.
Free San Diego Homicide Consultation
First-degree murder is the most serious of all homicide offenses a person can be accused of in the state of California. The consequences of a first-degree murder conviction are life-altering and may even cost the defendant his or her life, depending on the severity of the alleged crime. Regardless of the circumstances of your murder charge, hiring a knowledgeable San Diego defense attorney can make a difference in your case. By scheduling a free consultation with our defense team at Sevens Legal, you can protect your rights and ensure that you raise the strongest possible defense against the charges.
How to Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
Sue Gerard is a respected and accomplished criminal defense attorney with Sevens Legal, APC. With the benefit of prior experience handling hundreds of serious felony cases, including murder and attempted murder, Ms. Gerard is prepared to defend clients against the most serious criminal charges in San Diego. If you or someone you know has been charged with first-degree murder or any other homicide offense in San Diego, it is imperative that you speak to an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney right away. Call Sevens Legal today at (619) 430-2355 to secure the highest quality legal representation.