Defendant Avila kidnapped little 5-year-old Samantha Runnion, who was playing with her friend Sarah just several yards away from her condominium complex. He drove by the children in his green Thunderbird and asked whether they had seen a puppy. When Samantha leaned down and asked whether the puppy was about "this big",
Avila snatched her up. Samantha bravely screamed, kicked and fought. The last thing Sarah saw was Samantha looking toward her from Avilas car. Samantha screamed for her friend to get her grandmother. Sarah immediately went to Samanthas grandmother, who called the police. Sarah articulately gave a detailed description to the police which initiated a massive televised manhunt. A day later, Samanthas nude and battered body was found on a deserted trail overlooking Lake Elsinore. A few days later, Avila was arrested by the police, who acted on a tip from the mother of one of Avilas prior sexual assault victims.
This was a cruel, unjustified murder of a little girl who should have been safe playing just steps away from her home. This case went to the heart of every parents nightmare. District Attorney Tony Rackauckas put together a special team of prosecutors and investigators who were all experts in a particular field to prosecute this case.
During the trial, horrible details of how Samantha was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered were presented. The prosecutor also submitted overwhelming physical and scientific evidence such as tire tracks, shoe prints and DNA. Samanthas bravery helped capture her killer because her DNA consistent with her tears was found in Avilas car and Avilas DNA was found underneath Samanthas fingernails.
Credit should also go to three brave young women who fought their fears to testify that Avila had sexually molested them a few years earlier when they were young girls.
The jury found Avila guilty of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and murdering Samantha and found true the special circumstance allegations. The jury later determined that Avila should face the ultimate punishment for what he did and recommended the death penalty. The Trial Judge ultimately imposed the death penalty July 22, 2005.
Samanthas mother, Erin Runnion, has become a national figure in fighting for childrens rights and preventing the victimization of children. To continue Samanthas legacy, please log onto https://www.thejoyfulchild.org/.
Statement by District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
Statement by Erin Runnion
