NEWS Mexican authorities say California public defender died in ‘unfortunate accident’

Authorities in Baja California said Monday, Jan. 16, that the death of an Orange County deputy public defender at a Mexican beach resort last weekend appears to have been an “unfortunate accident.”

Elliott Blair, 33, of Orange, was found under a third-floor balcony at the Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Rosarito Beach early Saturday. Family and colleagues said on a GoFundMe page that Blair was “tragicly murdered” and the victim of a “brutal crime”.

However, following an autopsy, officials at the Baja California Attorney General’s Office said the death appeared to be “the result of an unfortunate accident in which the deceased fell from the third floor.”

In a brief three-paragraph statement, Mexican authorities said they were investigating Blair’s death and had been in touch with U.S. authorities through the Justice Department and the FBI, who in turn notified Blair’s family.

David Scalson, a lawyer hired by Blair’s family, said they still suspect he simply fell from the balcony and would conduct their own investigation.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions,” Skarsen said. “(The family) is rebutting (the Mexican authorities’) conclusions.”

Blair and his wife Kimberly Williams – also a deputy public defender – celebrated their first wedding anniversary at the resort.

Blair is known for his friendly nature and intelligence. “Elliot is known for having a smile on his face and a bright mind,” said a GoFundMe page organized in honor of Blair.

It added that Blair will now be with his father Tom, who died two years ago.

“Elliot and Tom are thick as thieves,” it said. “They spent countless hours together in the garage, working on cars, buggies and ATVs together.”