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Two Men Sentenced in Elder Strangulation Homicide

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that two convicted murder defendants, Brendan Doyle and Luther Brown, have been sentenced to prison terms for killing 65-year-old Laura Doyle, the mother of defendant Brendan Doyle.

Both defendants were convicted in April 2024 of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Doyle, 36, was also convicted of identity theft and robbery. Doyle was sentenced to 28 years-to-life in prison last August 30. Brown was sentenced today to 55 years-to-life in prison.

“This is a disturbing and despicable case of murder of one’s own mother for financial gain,” DA Stephan said. “The dedicated team from our Elder Abuse Unit came together to hold these defendants accountable and deliver justice for the victim. It continues to be a priority for us to fight elder abuse in all its forms and support seniors who become victims of everything from online scams to the most serious violent acts.”

In 2019, Doyle entered his mother’s home and strangled her until she agreed to write him two checks in the amount of $1,000. He later met Brown and developed a plan to murder his mother to acquire her $1.5 million trust fund.

In October 2020, Ms. Doyle was found dead in her house with no obvious injuries. Neighbors contacted authorities and the District Attorney’s Office saying that if Ms. Doyle was dead, her son should be investigated. A police investigation ensued, and an autopsy was performed. It was determined that Ms. Doyle’s death was the cause of a brutal strangulation resulting in multiple fractures.

After the victim’s death, her son took her credit card and went on a shopping spree, spending more than $11,000. He was arrested in November 2020. Forensic evidence located inside the home, including DNA located on the clothing the victim was wearing at the time of her murder, linked Brown to the crime scene. Brown was a self-proclaimed “contract killer” and bragged to a roommate about killing someone for a friend back in fall of 2020. Brown was arrested in 2021.  Search warrants of Brown and Doyle’s electronic devices and social media connected the two defendants. Specifically, communication between the two discussing Ms. Doyle and entry into her home leading up to the murder.

Doyle continues to litigate disbursement of his mother’s trust in probate court.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jaimie Thomas and expertly investigated by District Attorney Investigators.

Prison, Restitution Ordered for Woman Who Forged Real Estate Documents

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today a woman who illegally recorded false real estate documents involving two different San Diego County properties was sentenced Wednesday to two years in state prison and ordered to pay $110,000 in restitution. A jury convicted 58-year-old Farrah Nazemi last month of three felony counts of recording false documents and one felony count of forgery. Superior Court Judge Robert Amador handed down the sentence during a hearing downtown. The District Attorney’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division’s investigation led to the felony charges.

“The investigation and prosecution of real estate fraud is important and complex, and this case is a stark reminder of the impact of real estate fraud,” said DA Stephan. “The defendant’s deliberate actions to forge legal documents and seize homes that were not hers caused real harm to rightful property owners. I’m proud of the work by our Real Estate Fraud Unit to uncover the truth and hold her accountable, sending a clear message that this kind of deception won’t be tolerated in San Diego County.”

Farrah Pirahanchi Nazemi recorded two false documents in November 2019 related to a property in Bonita.  She recorded the documents in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the foreclosure of and her eviction from a house she formerly owned in Bonita. The defendant lost her unlawful detainer case and left the Bonita property only after she was locked out by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department in January of 2020.

After leaving the Bonita property, Ms. Nazemi moved into a house in Vista where her brother was living at the time. Her brother had previously entered into a contract to purchase the Vista property from the owner in exchange for an apartment in Tehran, Iran and cash to make up the difference in value. The sale/exchange fell through and in the settlement of the subsequent lawsuit, Nazemi’s brother agreed to vacate the Vista property.  Her brother moved out, but Nazemi refused to leave.  She forged the owner’s signature on a recorded a Grant Deed transferring the Vista property from the owner to herself.

Nazemi was caught after the owners of the properties involved reported the crimes to the Real Estate Fraud Unit of the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. The case was investigated by District Attorney Investigator Michael Brown who interviewed numerous witnesses and collected hundreds of documents.  The investigation culminated with the search of the Vista property where Ms. Nazemi was living.  At the residence, Investigators found the original copies of the false recorded documents, fraudulent county recorder’s stickers, other forged documents, and a stolen notary stamp. Deputy District Attorney John Dunn used this evidence to build a successful prosecution and present a compelling case to the jury, which found the defendant guilty on all four felony counts.

If you suspect you are a victim of real estate fraud, or have knowledge of such activity, please report the information to the District Attorney’s Office on its public website here.

Owner Alert is a free real estate fraud notification service from the County Assessor/Recorder that sends an immediate email notification to subscribed property owners anytime a document is recorded in their office that transfers title to your property.

The DA’s Economic Crimes and Consumer Protection Division is responsible for prosecuting a wide variety of wrongdoings, including elder financial abuse, consumer protection, price gouging, false advertising, cybercrimes, complex identity theft, investment scams, embezzlements, real estate matters, counterfeit goods, organized retail crime, and environmental crimes. It’s one of the few divisions in the District Attorney’s Office that initiates investigations.

The District Attorney has a dedicated Real Estate Fraud Unit that’s part of the division, focused on investigating cases such as forged loan or title documents, fraudulent transfers or foreclosures, scam trust deeds, home‑equity and rescue scams.

Photo of gavel and scales of justice.

DA Opposing Release of Two Violent Inmates Under Elder and Youthful Parole Laws

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that two defendants have been granted hearings before the Board of Parole tomorrow because of laws that allow early release for inmates under elder and youthful parole laws. The DA’s Office is vigorously opposing the release of both individuals—a convicted murderer and a self-confessed serial rapist.

Last year, the San Diego DA’s Office handled 136 hearings that were scheduled due to Youthful Parole, 202 hearings scheduled under elder parole, and 58 hearings that qualified pursuant to both early parole laws. That means 69% of the parole hearings were scheduled pursuant to elder and/or youthful parole last year.

“In many cases, new parole laws in California have undone the reassurance to murder and rape victims of justly imposed lengthy sentences and the promise of protection of our communities,” DA Stephan said. “In some cases, murderers and rapists get a chance at early parole under youthful parole laws and then have another chance at age 50 under ridiculous elder parole laws. Victims and survivors have zero early parole from their loss and trauma.”

Serial Rapist

Between 1993 and 1996, Robert Dean Rustad, known as the ‘Del Mar Rapist,’ broke into the residences of seven women and brutally sexually assaulted or raped six of them. Most victims were threatened at knifepoint and tied up; one was badly beaten. Rustad was between the ages of 19 and 22 when he committed the crimes and pleaded guilty to 39 criminal counts, including rape, forced oral copulation, sexual battery, false imprisonment, and residential burglary. Rustad received a sentence of 326 years and four months-to-life in 1997.

After a hearing in February 2024 to weigh his suitability for release, parole officials denied Rustad’s request and said he should not be up for consideration again for another three years. However, his next hearing was moved up pursuant to the Board of Parole Hearings’ Administrative Review process. He will receive special consideration at the hearing under the state’s elder parole law because he is 51-years-old and has spent more than 20 years in prison. The District Attorney’s Office is vigorously opposing Rustad’s parole and will do all it can under the law to keep him in prison.

“This defendant’s horrific actions and motivations for his serial rapes were sadistic and cruel and he has not accepted responsibility making him a serious threat to society,” said DA Stephan. “Justice was served last year with the board’s denial of early parole. Unfortunately, victims will once again suffer through the process of re-living their trauma in an attempt to keep this defendant behind bars.”

In 2020, Rustad was eligible for parole early through the state’s youthful parole law and was denied release for five years. Due to changes in the law, he is no longer eligible for youthful parole but is now eligible for elder parole. He was eligible again for the 2024 hearing by filing a petition to advance his hearing, which was granted. Two of Rustad’s victims were present at the 2024 hearing and gave powerful impact statements, leading to the three-year denial. Rustad has claimed his actions were driven by a desire for a girlfriend-type relationship.

Convicted Murderer

Aerith Asora (the defendant was prosecuted under different legal name) was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder, along with the inmate’s sister and co-defendant Brae Hansen. The pair had hatched a plot to kill their stepfather, Timothy McNeil, for financial gain. Asora purchased black clothing at a Goodwill store before driving from Phoenix to McNeil’s home in San Diego. When MacNeil arrived home the day after his birthday, he had plans to take Hansen out to eat. Asora was already inside MacNeil’s home with Hansen. Asora put on a mask, was armed with a firearm and pretended to commit a robbery of McNeil and Hansen. Asora directed Hansen to zip tie MacNeil’s hands, and then Asora zip tied Hansen’s hands. McNeil asked to go to the restroom and managed to get free, struggling for his life before Asora shot him four times, including twice in the head at point blank range.

Asora was convicted of murder on April 15, 2009, and sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison. Asora was 19 years old at the time of the murder. Under California’s youth parole law, nearly all defendants sentenced to 15 years or more for a crime that occurred before their 26th birthday are eligible for an advanced parole hearing before the parole board. There are narrow exceptions for sentences imposed under the Three Strikes Law.

“This was a callous, premeditated murder based in greed and the justly imposed lengthy sentence by the court, which weighed all the evidence, should be honored,” Stephan said. “While there may be cases where a defendant deserves a second chance based on their age at the time they committed a crime, this is most certainly not one of them. Releasing this inmate early would be an emotional gut punch to the victim’s loved ones.”

In 2024, there were 577 lifer parole hearings scheduled in San Diego County. Of those, 70 inmates received parole grants from the California Board of Parole Hearings. The remainder of the hearings –507– resulted in denials, postponements, or stipulations to a denial of parole.

The DA’s Lifer Hearing Unit, under the leadership of Deputy District Attorney John Cross, has two main goals: to ensure that dangerous prisoners with life sentences are not released carelessly or improvidently, and to ensure that crime victims and their families are given an opportunity to participate in the parole hearing process and have their voices heard. When a defendant is given a life sentence, the Lifer Hearing Unit processes the case to ensure that it is ready for future parole suitability hearings. This involves preserving victims’ statements and documenting the gravity of the crimes to ensure the offenders serve sentences proportional to their crimes.

In addition, the Lifer Hearing Unit tracks court activity on lifer cases and assists the Attorney General’s Office in opposing writs of habeas corpus seeking release. The Lifer Hearing Unit has submitted amicus briefs on behalf of the California District Attorneys Association on important cases and actively works on legislation concerning the parole hearing process. The Lifer Hearing Unit is the statewide leader in lifer matters and San Diego County serves as the training office for other prosecutors who seek to understand the complex laws governing parole hearings.

DA Summer Stephan Senate Testimony on Organized Retail Crime. July 15, 2025, Washington, D.C.

DA Stephan Testifies Before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

San Diego County District Attorney and President of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Summer Stephan testified today before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, urging swift Congressional action to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) and transnational theft networks that are harming communities and businesses across the nation with commercial and residential thefts and burglaries. DA Stephan was called to testify as the voice for America’s prosecutors in her role as President/Chair of the National District Attorneys Association and for her expertise in combatting these organized crimes in San Diego County.

Watch a recording of the hearing here.

In her testimony, DA Stephan outlined the evolution of organized theft from isolated incidents into sophisticated, multi-state and international criminal enterprises responsible for billions in losses and threats to public safety. Drawing from her office’s successful prosecutions in San Diego County, Stephan emphasized that these crimes are far from victimless and require a coordinated, national response. DA Stephan brought the experience of the many victims such as employees of small and large businesses, and homeowners victimized by these sophisticated and at times violent criminal rings.

“Organized retail crime is not only eroding business and job stability but is also threatening the safety and well-being of our communities,” said DA Stephan. “From high-end smash-and-grabs to international burglary rings, we’re seeing an increase in violence and criminal sophistication that demands strong legislative and enforcement action.”

Stephan detailed her office’s proactive strategies in San Diego, including forming specialized teams to prosecute ORC, collaborating with the California Highway Patrol, and establishing partnerships through the Organized Retail Crime Alliance. Stephan emphasized the success of recent legislation in California which allows prosecutors to aggregate thefts and pursue more serious charges. At the national level, the NDAA has joined with the Retail Industry Leaders Association to launch initiatives like store walks and the Vibrant Communities Initiative, aimed at improving coordination and safety in retail environments. The DA also partnered with the U.S. Chamber and National Retail Federation to educate about effective prevention and prosecution.

Stephan called on Congress to pass the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA), which would establish a federal Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center to enhance national collaboration among prosecutors, law enforcement, and private sector stakeholders. She also called for enforcement of the INFORM Act that requires identification of third-party sellers to expose stolen properly online. Finally, DA Stephan stressed the importance of balanced prosecution strategies that differentiate between a young person who makes a mistake from a habitual criminal who preys on small businesses and neighborhoods. She advocated for the coordination center to link the dots to combat the organized crime and transnational criminal organizations that harm our nation.

In San Diego, the DA’s Office has prosecuted over 218 ORC defendants over the past two years, in partnership with law enforcement and retailers, involving theft losses of more than $2.6 million. Cases include multi-defendant smash-and-grab operations, repeat theft rings targeting national retailers, and transnational criminal networks responsible for multi-state burglaries and multi-million-dollar jewelry heists.

“Our experience shows that smart laws, real consequences, and close collaboration across jurisdictions work,” Stephan stated. “Now we need Congress to scale these efforts nationally so that no community is left vulnerable.”

Stephan also stressed the need for public-private partnerships to extend beyond enforcement and into prevention and education. She called for a national public awareness campaign to inform consumers about the impact of buying stolen goods, particularly through online marketplaces and informal venues like swap meets.

DA Stephan argued that just as robust laws and strategic prosecution are essential, so too is the active participation of consumers and community members in curbing organized retail theft. By combining legal tools, law enforcement coordination, and informed public engagement, Stephan concluded, communities can reclaim safety and economic vitality from the grip of organized crime.

Photo of a gavel over law books and scales of justice.

Teacher Who Committed Sex Crimes against two Underage Students Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a teacher who inappropriately engaged in sexual relationships with two underage students has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to seven felony counts of related to various sex crimes.

Kyiri Tisdale, 32, a former teacher at Escondido High School, was arrested in August 2024 following an investigation by the Escondido Police Department’s Family Protection Unit. He was arrested at school while preparing for the upcoming school year.

“This defendant used his position of trust as a teacher to commit sex crimes against teenage students whom he’s supposed to nurture and protect,” DA Stephan said. “He not only physically violated his students but also violated the trust that the overwhelming number of teachers in our county work so hard to build with their students. There is no room in our schools for corrupt teachers who abuse their positions of trust to gain the confidence of students, only to take advantage of them sexually. I hope today’s sentence serves as a warning to anyone in a position of power that the truth eventually comes out, and you will be held accountable. I am proud of the victims for coming forward and I hope the end of this case provides the closure they need to move on and live healthy lives.”

Tisdale was 29 when he began the first sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. While that conduct was ongoing, Tisdale committed several illegal sexual acts with a separate, 16-year-old victim.

Detectives with Escondido Police worked quickly to investigate when the report from the first victim came to light just days before the start of a new school year. They developed enough information to make the arrest even as Tisdale was in his classroom, prepping for classes to start and to meet a new group of students. After the arrest, the District Attorney’s Office worked with detectives to locate and speak to the second victim, developing further evidence for additional criminal charges.

Every student in San Diego County deserves to have a safe and nurturing educational environment, free of sexual and physical abuse. But if that kind of abuse does happen, students, parents and teachers should report to their local police department or Sheriff’s Office. If anyone suspects any misdeeds related to schools but is uncertain about what to do, they can report to the District Attorney’s Office at https://www.sdcda.org/helping/studentsafety/.

Once suspected abuse is reported, the task force members will evaluate and investigate the claim, law enforcement will be notified to investigate allegations when appropriate, and families will be connected with trauma-informed resources and support.

Another important public safety reminder is that mandated reporters have a duty under the law to report suspected child abuse, which includes sexual abuse.

Deputy District Attorney Peter Estes from the DA’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted this case.

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Violent Bank Robber Sentenced to Prison for Four Armed Heists Committed in Three Years

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a violent and armed bank robber, who terrorized bank employees, made off with hundreds of thousands of dollars, and was eventually convicted by a jury of 30 felony counts in connection with four bank robberies across multiple jurisdictions, has been sentenced to life in prison.

Larry Lightning Jr., 45, was sentenced to 488 years and eight months in prison following a four-week trial that included 76 witnesses and extensive evidence entered into the record. The felony convictions included:

  • 10 counts of kidnapping
  • 12 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm
  • 4 counts of robbery
  • 3 counts of auto theft
  • 1 count of kidnapping for robbery

“This defendant orchestrated a terrifying crime spree that put the lives of bank workers and community members in danger,” said DA Summer Stephan. “Thanks to the dedicated work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the fear and harm he caused. While the defendant proved elusive for years, law enforcement never gave up its work to solve this string of crimes.”

Beginning in 2019 and over the span of four years, Lightning was the leader in four violent armed take-over robberies across San Diego County. In each of the robberies, he stole a vehicle close in time to the robbery that he used as a getaway car and staged a second vehicle he transferred to less than a mile from the bank, leaving the stolen car behind. Lightning covered himself from head to toe with gloves, a hoodie and a mask before he stormed each bank with his gun drawn, jumping over the teller counter.

The defendant grabbed bank employees by their hair and pulled, pushed, and shoved them into the vault at gunpoint. He yelled at them to go faster, and even counted down, threatening to kill them if they did not get the safes open fast enough. The victims testified about the fear they felt, with some saying they believed they were going to die, and that they said goodbye to their children. Lightning emptied the vaults of all cash and escaped with almost $400,000 in total from the robberies.

The case went unsolved with no leads until June 2022, when a DNA hit from the driver’s seat of a stolen vehicle came back to the defendant. The FBI performed an extensive follow-up investigation using warrants, surveillance video collection and physical surveillance with the evidence pointing to this defendant. His cell phone records and DNA in each of the stolen cars used in the robberies also contributed to his conviction. After hearing all the evidence and arguments, the jury found defendant Lightning guilty of all counts and allegations, including all the aggravating factors charged in the criminal complaint.

“I want to especially thank Deputy District Attorneys Kristie Nikoletich and Savanah Howe for their outstanding work in presenting a thorough and compelling case to the jury,” Stephan said. “Their commitment to justice and protecting our communities along with the support of the DA and law enforcement teams helped ensure this dangerous individual will no longer be a threat.”

New Animal Cruelty Case Filed

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that in the latest of a string of animal cruelty prosecutions by her office involving dogs, Osvaldo Deleon, 61, has been charged with one count of felony animal abuse and neglect for failing to seek medical attention for his dog’s severely injured leg. The dog’s leg had an open wound with exposed bone when officials with the county’s Department of Animal Services (DAS) encountered it. The dog was taken into a veterinarian’s care and ultimately his leg had to be amputated.

Deleon was arraigned on Monday in San Diego Superior Court and pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces a sentencing range of probation up to three years in custody.

“Our office is committed to holding people accountable for all forms of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect,” said DA Stephan. “We are determined to be a voice for animals who are mistreated and to deliver justice on their behalf. We’re constantly working with our law enforcement partners to identify and confirm potential abuse, especially when alerted to it by the community, and to prevent such abuse from occurring in the first place.”

In the past year, the District Attorney’s Office has filed animal cruelty-related charges against more than 55 defendants.

In December of last year, 61-year-old Todd Schuster was convicted of one count of felony animal cruelty and sentenced to two years in jail for viciously kicking a dog during a road rage incident and then running over the animal with his vehicle, killing it.

Previous animal cruelty-related prosecutions have included an elderly couple who hoarded 92 Yorkshire Terrier and Yorkie-mix dogs in a feces-filled home in Poway and a 31-year-old Oceanside resident who received an eight-year prison sentence for torturing and killing at least 10 cats. The defendant adopted the cats from the San Diego Humane Society and through Craigslist, subjecting them to severe abuse. The case is known as one of the most severe instances of recent animal cruelty in the county.

And in a case that’s currently pending, defendant Debra Barkley, 68, has been charged with three misdemeanor counts for allowing her aggressive dogs to constantly run off her property and frighten neighbors. DAS documented 15 separate incidents involving the defendant’s dogs over a two-year period, including at least one where a dog bit someone. Barkley failed to allow property inspections, secure liability insurance, register dogs as dangerous, and post “beware of dogs” signs. Barkley has a readiness hearing scheduled for tomorrow, March 28, in North County.

Other cases filed in the past year include a defendant who brutally killed the family chihuahua after becoming upset with his wife and children, an elderly couple hoarding 33 animals in their home, and a defendant who beat a nine-week-old puppy to death after becoming upset with the puppy’s behavior.

In 2018, the DA launched the office’s first-ever Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit, which provides prosecutorial consistency countywide, investigative support and dedicated expertise for animal abuse cases. Since there is a strong link between animal abuse and violent crimes against people – particularly children and domestic violence – the unit resides within the DA’s Family Protection Division. The unit works closely with police, Sheriff’s deputies, DAS, animal control officers, the San Diego Humane Society, and others to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases vertically (one prosecutor handling the case from beginning to end.)

To report suspected animal abuse in San Diego County, you can contact the following agencies depending on the location and type of incident:

  • San Diego Humane Society – They handle animal cruelty investigations in most of San Diego County, including the cities of San Diego, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Poway, Santee, and others.
  • County of San Diego Department of Animal Services – Covers unincorporated areas and certain contract cities.
  • Local Law Enforcement – If an animal is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

The Osvaldo Deleon case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Maura Duffey.

Deputy District Attorneys Recognized with MADD “Prosecutor of the Year” Awards

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Deputy District Attorneys Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia were each recognized as Prosecutor of the Year for their work in the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit. The honors were announced by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at the annual MADD San Diego Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards held June 5th at the Town and Country Resort.

“This recognition from MADD highlights the outstanding work of our prosecution team, specifically Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia, whose expertise and commitment in serious and fatal DUI-related cases repeatedly delivers justice to victims and their families,” said DA Stephan. While the fatal consequences of alcohol-impaired driving are well known, we’re increasingly seeing drivers under the influence of drugs or a dangerous mix of both alcohol and drugs, with often tragic outcomes. These two prosecutors skillfully handle complex drug-DUI cases, helping jurors understand the often-hidden signs of drug impairment. I’m incredibly proud of them, and this award is a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

In 2024, 26 people were killed in 21 DUI-related crashes in San Diego County. So far in 2025, the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit has filed 11 new DUI homicide cases.

Recipients of MADD’s awards are chosen through a call for nominations process. The organization reaches out to community partners, law enforcement agencies, local officials and their internal victim advocates asking them to nominate individuals who stand out in the community with regards to DUI-related work.

Every year, MADD honors law enforcement officials for their continuous efforts in DUI-related enforcement. This year, the event recognized law enforcement with awards for the number of DUI arrests made annually. According to MADD, each arrest is a life saved and MADD awards law enforcement’s service as they dedicate their lives to keeping our roads safe.

Deputy DAs Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia were nominated by Deputy DA Hailey Williams, the Director of the DA’s DUI Homicide Unit. In 2024, Loeb and Garcia successfully prosecuted Tayishe Baltys for killing 15-year-old Jessica Talamante and her 39-year-old stepfather Brian McKee. In 2022, Baltys drove drunk and fatally struck Jessica and Brian as they walked across East Plaza Boulevard in National City toward their home. Prior to the collision, Baltys spent three hours drinking alcohol with co-workers at a Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Mission Valley. Despite two separate bartenders asking Baltys if she planned to take an Uber or Lyft home, Baltys instead got behind the wheel of her car so intoxicated that she drove to National City, even though she resides in Mission Valley.

Although Baltys repeatedly denied drinking to the responding officers, her blood-alcohol content was approximately 0.16%, which is twice the legal driving limit. Just 19 days before the fatal collision, Baltys had completed DUI probation following a DUI arrest and conviction one year earlier. Deput DAs Mary Loeb and Natalie Garcia’s skilled presentation of the facts of their case and cross-examination of defense witnesses secured justice for the deaths of Jessica and Brian. In December 2024, a Chula Vista jury returned guilty verdicts against Baltys for their murders.

Innovative Shelter Ready App Expanding Countywide

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today the regional expansion of her office’s Shelter Ready app, an innovative technology solution that connects people experiencing homelessness to emergency shelter in real time. The launch event, held at the County Operations Center, brought together more than 200 stakeholders representing 89 agencies or organizations from across the region, including service providers, public officials, law enforcement and nonprofit leaders.

Shelter Ready is a transparent and efficient platform that helps frontline workers quickly locate and refer unsheltered individuals to appropriate shelter beds. It was developed in partnership with a national technology nonprofit and informed by input from dozens of San Diego County agencies. Over the past several months, the app has been piloted successfully in the North County with several local organizations and is now being made available countywide—at no cost—through leadership from the DA’s Office. [WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

“This regional launch of Shelter Ready is a major step forward in creating a transparent, accountable, compassionate, and efficient solution to match an individual suffering from homelessness with a suitable emergency shelter,” DA Stephan said. “With Shelter Ready, we are equipping our partners with a powerful tool to reduce time consuming barriers  and provide life changing assistance to people in crisis. This technology is one key piece of the puzzle to bring hope, dignity, and real time solutions to a complex public health and public safety crisis that is intrinsic to homelessness. I believe  it will become a model for the state of California and the nation. It’s our call to action that this free app will be used by every entity that is sincerely committed to ending the suffering of unsheltered human beings in our region.”

Today’s event also provided an update on the DA’s Three Point Plan to address the intersection of homelessness, behavioral health, and criminal justice—an initiative originally introduced by DA Stephan in 2022. The Shelter Ready app regionalization represents the fulfillment of a key goal from that plan: expanding the use of technology to support unsheltered populations, building on a model that previously helped victims of domestic violence and human trafficking find shelter in minutes rather than days. Three years of District Attorney data shows that individuals who are experiencing homelessness become involved with the justice system as victims and perpetrators at dramatically higher rates than the rest of the population, as well as a higher rate of overdose deaths.

“The most common question people ask when experiencing homelessness is, ‘Where can I go for help?’ And there’s nothing more frontline workers want than to help,” said Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. “So, it’s incredibly timely to have an app to help connect people to services they need, including finding a shelter bed. This has been a real challenge, but that’s a little easier now thanks to this innovative technology, which provides valuable real-time information frontline workers need to connect to services quickly.”

Attendees witnessed a live demonstration of the app and heard from organizations that have participated in the pilot phase and are already using Shelter Ready in the field. The platform was built specifically for the San Diego region and shaped by feedback from local stakeholders.

One of the organizations that has partnered with the DA’s Office in testing and developing the Shelter Ready app for the past several months is the San Diego Rescue Mission’s North County Lighthouse.

“The San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM) has been honored to participate with the DA’s Office to utilize and evaluate this unique technology that is a game changer when it comes to providing homeless services,” said Donnie Dee, San Diego Rescue Mission CEO. “The Shelter Ready platform is clearly a tool that can be essential for all shelter providers in the county. Since using Shelter Ready, we’ve seen stronger collaboration and communication between shelter providers and our outreach workers. The result has been a more efficient and effective process in helping people experiencing homelessness find the right shelter for them at the right time.”

The Shelter Ready app stems from a larger effort that began in 2018, when DA Stephan convened regional symposiums to tackle the intersection of mental health, homelessness, and the justice system. The 2019 Blueprint for Mental Health Reform and subsequent Three Point Plan have since guided local reforms and partnerships focused on creating long-term, system-wide change.

“Having awareness of available resources for people experiencing homelessness is essential to making the right connections,” said Dr. Kimberly Giardina, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the County Health and Human Services Agency. “As usage of this new app expands regionally, we look forward to working with the District Attorney and other providers to maximize transparency and connections to accessible resources.”

The most recent Point-in-Time Count, conducted in January 2025 by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, reported 9,905 individuals experiencing homelessness in San Diego County with 5,714 of those individuals identified as being unsheltered. [WATCH NEWS CONFERENCE HERE]

Photo of gavel on a table and scales of justices with law books in the background.

Founder of pH Miracle Diet and Co-Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Treating Patient

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Robert O. Young and Galina Migalko have been sentenced to prison for their fraudulent medical treatment of a 79-year-old woman with a life-threatening liver illness.

Young, 73, and co-defendant Migalko, 61, were found guilty by a North County jury in February of several felony counts, including two counts of practicing without a medical license, and one count of theft from an elder. Young was also found guilty of willful abuse of an elder and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison on May 28. Migalko received a four years and four months sentence today.

“It is unconscionable that this defendant continued to treat patients for serious illnesses when he had twice been convicted of practicing medicine without a license and has nothing more than a high school education and purchased ‘degrees’ from unaccredited correspondence schools,” DA Stephan said. “His fraudulent treatments did not address the serious illnesses of his patients, putting them at serious risk.”

Young developed the pH Miracle diet, a controversial health regimen centered around the belief that cancer and other life-threatening illnesses can be treated with an all-vegetable smoothie diet and other treatments, including intravenous infusions of sodium bicarbonate—commonly known as baking soda, to “alkalinize” the body. Young’s “theory” has been soundly debunked by the medical community but continues to circulate in the conspiracy theory community. In this criminal case, he and Migalko convinced a 79-year-old woman with a life-threatening liver illness to walk away from her medical doctors, seriously jeopardizing her life. They treated the victim for liver disease from September 2020 to January 2021.

Despite being convicted previously of practicing medicine without a license, Young continued to ignore state laws and illegally treat patients.

To check if a physician is properly licensed and accredited, patients can visit California’s Medical Board website, which offers a searchable database of licensed practitioners. There, individuals can verify that the physician holds an active license and review any disciplinary actions or malpractice history. Additionally, patients can confirm board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties website which ensures the doctor has met rigorous standards in a medical specialty.

Deputy DA Gina Darvas and Stephen Spinella prosecuted this case.