Man Is Found Guilty of Murder in Deadly Traffic Dispute

A Westminster man was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder for gunning down another man during a traffic confrontation in December, 1993, that escalated out of control.

Gifford Michael Madden, 30, shot and killed Daniel Martin Renz, 34, also of Westminster, after both men tried to negotiate a right turn from Beach Boulevard onto Edinger Avenue in Huntington Beach. Madden was tailgating and followed when Renz pulled over to the side of the road, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Carolyn Kirkwood.

As Renz walked to Madden’s vehicle to confront him, Madden, still seated in his car, shot him. Madden then fled the scene and got rid of the gun, Kirkwood said.

Madden’s attorney argued to the Orange County Superior Court jury that his client was suffering acute stress stemming from a residential robbery in which Madden was shot, according to trial testimony. After that ordeal, he began carrying a weapon for protection, according to the testimony.

Madden testified that he shot Renz because he believed Renz was reaching for something, possibly a weapon.

Jurors deliberated just a few hours before convicting Madden. He faces a prison term of at least 15 years to life.

The prosecutor said that Madden’s prior injuries were not an excuse for murder. She also argued at trial that Madden’s actions on the day of the shooting did not fit the profile of a person trying to steer clear of trouble.

“If he were really fearful for his safety, he wouldn’t have pulled over; he would have avoided it,” Kirkwood said.

“It’s a lesson for us all,” she said. “You just don’t know what people will do. It’s a jungle out there.”