KINGMAN – An El Mirage man faces the possibility of multiple decades behind bars after pleading guilty in the shooting deaths of a couple at their home on the backside of the Hualapai Mountains outside Kingman.
Two first degree murder charges become second degree murder convictions through a plea agreement entered Monday for Daniel Avila, 27. Judge Doug Camacho approved the deal involving the June 27, 2022 murders of Retta Atkins, 73, known by many as the “Gold Lady”, and Darren VanHouten, 50.
Chilling surveillance system video from the victim’s residence on Dilligaf Road reveals a hooded and partially masked male lurking outside the home on the date of the killings.
Mental health experts who examined Avila determined he is competent to assist in his defense and be tried in the case. The soft and slow-spoken defendant answered questions in hesitating fashion after informing the Court that he takes anti-depressant prescription medication.
Deputy Mohave County Attorney Jacob Cote offered few details as he provided the factual basis for the plea deal super succinctly. “He went to their home and shot them both to death,” Cote said.
Terms of the deal require Judge Doug Camacho to impose a 10- to 25-year prison sentence for both murders, and he has discretion to run the sentences concurrent or consecutive to one another. Ultimately, Avila faces a 10- to 50-year prison term during an hour-long sentencing hearing scheduled January 22.
Dave Hawkins
