Mark Milton, a 64-year-old resident of Moorpark, California, tragically lost his life on January 3, 2020. He was found deceased in the driver's seat of a U-Haul truck at a Public Storage facility on Los Angeles Avenue. The incident was immediately reported to authorities following multiple 9-1-1 calls about gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Milton with fatal gunshot wounds, leading to an extensive investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation quickly identified Elsworth Dennis Cadle, then 67, as the primary suspect. Cadle, who was employed as a bus driver for the City of Simi Valley, was apprehended after a nine-hour search. He was found driving near Moorpark College, and a firearm was discovered in his vehicle. The motive for the shooting was believed to stem from a personal dispute between Cadle and Milton, who were brothers-in-law. This conflict reportedly escalated, culminating in the fatal shooting at the storage facility.
Cadle was charged with first-degree murder and additional allegations of using a firearm in the commission of the crime. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was represented by the Public Defender's Office. The case proceeded to trial, but the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial. Despite the defense's request for dismissal, the court granted a retrial, which was scheduled for September 2024.
In a subsequent trial, Cadle ultimately pled guilty to second-degree murder. He admitted to personally and intentionally discharging a firearm, resulting in Milton's death. On June 22, 2024, Cadle was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. The court's decision brought some closure to the tragic event that had deeply affected the Moorpark community and Milton's family. Milton was remembered as a dedicated electrician and a spiritual man who devoted much of his time to helping others. His untimely death left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
