In a shocking turn of events, a man from Ojai has admitted to brutally killing his own roommate with a sledgehammer three years ago.
The Fatal Altercation
On the fateful night of May 12, 2019, 28-year-old Cameron Scott Lykins and his friend, Houston Auer, got into a heated argument inside Auer’s grandmother’s home in Ojai. The dispute quickly escalated into a violent confrontation, with Lykins using the deadly tool to bludgeon Auer to death.
Concealing the Crime
After the gruesome killing, Lykins went to extreme lengths to conceal his crime. He dragged Auer’s body out through a window and callously dumped his remains deep within the Angeles National Forest.
Compelling to the Authorities
Overwhelmed by guilt, Lykins couldn’t bring himself to hide his secret any longer. He traveled to his mother’s home in Lone Pine and contacted the authorities, confessing to the heinous act he had committed.
Discovery and Investigation
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded swiftly, arresting Lykins the following day. The investigation led them to the scene of the crime and ultimately to the grim discovery of Auer’s body in the Angeles National Forest, more than a month later.
Trial and Revelation
Lykins’ trial began in early 2024, with eight days of relentless testimony. However, a mistrial was declared after the prosecution inadvertently revealed evidence that challenged their theory of a premeditated murder.
New Evidence and Reduced Charge
As the case progressed towards a retrial, both the prosecution and the defense uncovered new information that cast doubt on the original motive for the crime. Prosecutors unearthed text messages and other communications between Lykins and Auer that seemed to refute the notion of malice.
Guilty Plea
Faced with this newly discovered evidence, the prosecution added a charge of voluntary manslaughter to the case. Lykins, acknowledging the lessened severity of the charge, agreed to plead guilty.
Awaiting Sentencing
Cameron Lykins’ sentencing hearing is set for May 17. He faces a potential sentence of 18 years in state prison for his callous actions. The tragic events surrounding this case serve as a grim reminder of the destructive power of violence and the consequences of letting anger spiral out of control.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
