David Averill Sentenced to Life In Prison For Kidnapping Victim At Gunpoint For Extortion

On the morning of May 16, 2023, defendants David Averill and Thomas Griego accosted a 61-year-old woman and her 74-year-old husband at their home located within the city limits of Sonoma. Mr. Averill and Mr. Griego went to the residence to force the victims to give them the combination to their safe so they could steal their money. Both defendants were charged with kidnap to commit extortion, residential burglary, conspiracy, and assault with a firearm, as well as firearm enhancements for several of the charges. In April 2024, a jury trial was held and both defendants were found guilty of all charges. On August 27, 2024, the Honorable Judge Robert LaForge sentenced David Averill to the maximum potential term of 34 years-to-life in prison.

District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, “I can only imagine the terror that the victims felt during this terrifying ordeal. Mr. Averill earned his life sentence.”

On the morning of the incident, the female victim was leaf blowing in her front yard while her husband slept in the home. Suddenly, she was accosted by David Averill standing a few feet away, pointing a 9 mm semi-automatic firearm at her. She backed away and fell. Averill got on top of her and pinned her down. As she screamed for help, Averill told her to shut-up or he would shoot her. Griego joined in and both men put zip-ties on her wrists, shoved a gag in her mouth to stop her from screaming, and threatened to kill her.

The second victim woke up to the sounds of his wife screaming. He went to his office, opened the window and saw Averill holding his wife down on the ground. He made a noise to distract Averill who immediately ran to the office window and used the gun to tear the screen. Averill threatened to kill the victim multiple times while pointing the gun at him. The defendants eventually fled the area.

Several neighbors heard the incident unfold and called 911. Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies reviewed surveillance cameras in the area and were able to identify Averill’s vehicle. A 9mm semi-automatic firearm and other items related to the crimes were found at his residence. Sheriff’s detectives identified Thomas Griego after reviewing text messages between Averill and Griego discussing their plans to use guns to pull off a large heist of cash. Thomas Griego was arrested two days later.

After a trial lasting four weeks, a jury convicted both defendants of all charges. During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Judge LaForge commented on the courage demonstrated by the victims during the assault. Judge LaForge sentenced David Averill to the maximum prison term of 34 years-to-life. Griego is scheduled for sentencing on September 19^th. Deputy District Attorney Marianna Green handled the prosecution for the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.

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