Shotgun Blast Kills Man Asleep at Home

A 42-year-old Fullerton process server was shot and killed as he slept Sunday evening in what acquaintances described as a dispute over a romantic relationship.

Officers arrested Andrew Stuart Hodgins of Buena Park on suspicion of murder after tracing him to a Corona address, police said. They declined to identify the victim but alleged that Hodgins had entered the victim’s home, fired a single shotgun blast into his head and then left.

At least one other person, a woman, was in the house at the time. She was not reported injured. Friends, who asked not to be identified, said the woman was not part of the relationship that reportedly sparked the killing.

Friends said the victim was Michel Pelletier, a Rhode Island native and owner of WolfPac, a process-serving company he ran from his home. He was also known locally as an avid roller hockey player and referee.

“I’m going to miss this guy terribly,” said David Abakumoff, 27, who worked with Pelletier in the business. “He did not deserve to go. He has so much to offer.”

Abakumoff, who said he had known Pelletier for more than a decade, said the killing apparently involved a woman Pelletier had dated in the past. It was unclear why the dispute arose now.

Neighbors said the shooting capped a typical Sunday afternoon and evening in the neighborhood, which lies between the Fullerton police station and the downtown business district.

“Everybody was out here barbecuing,” said Ken Moralez, who with his wife, Kora, lives across the alley from where the shooting occurred. “My neighbor had a birthday party. Everybody was relaxing.”

“I heard the shot and I thought it was a tire,” said Kora Moralez. “I went out and then I heard [a woman] yelling and I ran back in and called the police.”

Kora Moralez said she then crossed the alley to the apartment and entered.

The woman “was practically lying on top of him,” Moralez said. “She was hysterical.”