On Thursday, 17 year old San Diego teen Chelsea King went for a jog and never returned home. On Tuesday, a body thought to be hers was found in a shallow grave near Lake Hodges. Over the weekend DNA found on King’s underwear found by the lake led authorities to sex offender John Albert Gardner III who was arrested in connection with the case.

Gardner is a registered sex offender because of a conviction in a case where he attacked a 13 year old girl. He served five years in prison and wore a tracking device until 2008. Although Gardner is a resident of Lake Elsinore, California, he was

Family Photo of Chelsea King

visiting his mother in the San Diego area the week Chelsea went missing.

Murder charges in California are extremely serious. Because the state of California has the death penalty, any person accused of murder needs a serious and well qualified attorney. Ventura Defense Attorney Robert Michael Helfend is that attorney.

“The relationship of trust and honest communication that you develop with your murder defense lawyer will become your most important asset over the next several months and even years. I will be there for you. I will use every possible legal maneuver to have your charges dismissed or dropped.” – Robert Helfend

Contact the Law Offices of Robert Helfend the minute charges are filed. Robert understands that past convictions have no bearing on future charges and he will fight to make sure that you are treated fairly. Remember the first consultation is free, it won’t cost you a thing to tell Mr. Helfend your story and find out what his plans for an aggressive defense are.