Man Admits to Botched Jewelry Heist that Killed Two Robbers

A 38-year-old Apple Valley man pleaded guilty today for his part in a botched jewelry store heist in San Juan Capistrano that led to the deaths of two suspects in a plea bargain that will have him testify against four co-defendants, a prosecutor said.

George Anthony Boozer pleaded guilty to assault with a semiautomatic firearm and five counts of attempted second-degree robbery, all felonies, which is expected to net him 12 years and four months in prison, Deputy District Attorney Scott Simmons said.

If Boozer does not truthfully testify during the trial then the murder charge is "back on the table," Simmons said.

Co-defendants Alan Keith Hunter, 41, of Moreno Valley, James Stephan Paschall, 43, of Gardena, Eddie Allen Clark Jr., 28, of Gardena, and his father, Eddie Allen Clark Sr., 52, are next due in court May 31. Their trial is expected to begin in June, Simmons said.

They face "provocative act murder" charges based on the legal theory that their actions caused two co-conspirators to be fatally shot, Simmons said.

Robert Earl Avery and Desmond Brown, both 39-year-old Los Angeles residents, were fatally wounded June 24, 2011, at Monaco Jewelers at 33955 Doheny Park Road.

Avery was buzzed into the locked store about 11:15 a.m., but he held the door open for Brown and Clark, Simmons said.

Avery left the showroom and went into the work area of the store, where he pulled out a gun and pointed it at the store manager's head and chest, Simmons said. The store's owner shot Avery and then shot Brown as he ran toward him, Simmons said.

Avery's clutching of the manager by the shoulder and holding him at gunpoint were key to the enhanced charges, Simmons said.

Clark ran away and eluded authorities, Simmons said. Hunter and Boozer were the alleged lookouts and Paschall is accused of being the getaway driver, according to the prosecutor.

Investigators linked Boozer and Hunter to the heist through phone records, and DNA evidence allegedly linked Clark and Paschall to the crime, Simmons said.