Suspect Arrested Following Fatal Shooting and Gambling House Discovery
STANTON, CA — Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of a body in the area of Main Street and Pacific Street in Stanton at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Upon arrival, officials located a deceased male, identified as 37-year-old Anthony Lee Carlos of Fullerton. It was determined that Carlos died from a gunshot wound.
As the investigation progressed, authorities located an illegal gambling operation near Cerritos Avenue and Flower Avenue. Approximately 50 individuals were detained at the location, six of whom were arrested for outstanding warrants unrelated to the death investigation. Law enforcement seized several illegal gambling machines as evidence from the residence.
On the evening of Tuesday, April 7, Homicide investigators arrested 43-year-old Jeffrey Lynn Clayton of Fullerton on suspicion of homicide. Clayton was booked into the Orange County Jail. According to investigators, Carlos and Clayton were known to each other prior to the incident.
Public records indicate that Clayton, has been arrested more than 10 times since 2022. His criminal history shows a high frequency of recidivism, particularly involving the following categories:
| Category | Description/Overview |
| Weapons & Firearms: | Multiple arrests for being an Addict in Possession of a Firearm, carrying loaded weapons in public, and possession of a switchblade. |
| Vehicle Crimes & Evasion: | Repeated charges for Taking a Vehicle Without Owner’s Consent, Grand Theft, and high-risk evasion, including driving on the wrong side of a median. |
| Identity Theft: | Numerous counts of Unauthorized Use of Personal Identifying Information (with previous convictions) and possession of forged identification. |
| Narcotics & Obstruction: | Frequent arrests for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting or Obstructing Peace Officers. |
| Other Notable Offenses: | Charges including Bookmaking/Illegal Gambling (April 2024), Hit and Run, and various Bench Warrants for failure to appear. |
