Man Who Fatally Shot Resident at East County RV Park Sentenced to Life Term

A 73-year-old felon who gunned down a fellow resident at an East County recreational vehicle park during an argument was sentenced today to 50 years to life in state prison.

Leland Ernest Clyde, who has a lengthy criminal record, pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder.

Deputy District Attorney Derek Grilz said the defendant got into a dispute with Jock Martin on March 9 at the Ma Tar Awa Campground in Alpine and fired a shotgun at the 56-year-old victim, hitting him in the chest and knocking him to the ground.

The defendant then stood over Martin, reloaded, and fired twice at his head, the prosecutor said. Martin's brother ran for help after Clyde aimed the firearm at a home, Grilz said.

A sheriff's helicopter crew arrived a short time later and used loudspeakers to order Clyde to disarm himself and lie down on the ground. Patrol deputies then took him into custody.

The defendant's rap sheet includes assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and burglary convictions dating back to 1959, according to the prosecutor.

—City News Service