This week, DA Summer Stephan joined State Senator Catherine Blakespear’s 3rd Annual Ending Homelessness Summit to spotlight real, impactful solutions — including the launch of the DA’s Shelter Ready App, connecting people in crisis to shelter in real time. Watch to find out how more cities and organizations can sign up for the app!
In this week’s DA News Update, District Attorney Summer Stephan talks about the importance of National Night Out to help keep communities safe.
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.
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.
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan talks about the importance of Red Ribbon Week and drug prevention programs in schools.
In this week’s DA News Update, DA Summer Stephan celebrates Red Ribbon Week and announces a new reward fund for hate crime tips.
In response to a recent 39% increase in hate crimes reported in San Diego County, law enforcement, government officials and community leaders announced a Crime Stoppers “Hate Crime Fund” to assist in the investigation and successful prosecution of these crimes. Tips leading to the arrest of a suspect in a felony hate crime featured by Crime Stoppers could result in a $2,000 reward. Anyone with information regarding hate crimes is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is celebrating the two year anniversary of opening One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center and in this video, District Attorney Summer Stephan shares 5 things you should know about this amazing family justice center that is an important resource for our community:
To learn more about One Safe Place, just visit OneSafePlaceNorth.org.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Paralegal Sandy Barajas.
Sandy was born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, but came to the United States when she was only six months old. She grew up in San Diego County, in the community of Barrio Logan, where her family has lived for over 50 years.
She attended Southwestern College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, then went directly to National University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She then pursued a Pre-Law degree in Paralegal Studies at the University of San Diego.
Currently, Sandy is assigned as a Paralegal I for the East County Division, where she works on Misdemeanor DUI cases. She also serves in the County’s Peer Support Team because she has always been passionate about giving back to her community.
When she is not busy working, she loves to make her spare time useful. She currently has a business which consumes half of her time, but she also likes to stay active in her community.
“I volunteer my time and expertise to help others,” she said. “I feel I have a duty to give back and help younger women to reach their potential. Once I had women who gave to me, who mentored me, so it’s only fair that I continue to keep the ball rolling. I enjoy non-profit volunteer work.”
What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?
“There were several factors that inspired me to pursue a career at the District Attorney’s office. Firstly, I have always had a strong passion for justice and protecting the rights of individuals. Here at the DA’s Office, we believe in protecting victims, building safe neighborhoods and partnering with the community. I have worked with diverse communities for the past 20 years.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“I love to work with diverse populations and give back to my community. I believe it’s important to pay it forward and help others.”
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
“Hispanic Heritage Month holds a special significance for me as it is a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic individuals to our society. It is also a time that I get to indulge in the beautiful traditions, history and accomplishments of the Hispanic community and to educate others about the diversity within this group. I am very passionate about my roots and that is why I decided to create a business that entails the art, culture and traditions of my Hispanic culture. As a Latina, Hispanic Heritage Month allows me to connect with my roots, showcase the beauty and resilience of my culture, and feel a sense of pride in my heritage.”
IT Professionals Day, which is recognized on the third Tuesday of September, was established in 2015 to honor the IT pros who do the critical but often unseen work to keep our networks and applications running. So, today we want to highlight one of our amazing Information Technology Engineers here at the DA’s Office!
Meet Senior IT Engineer Dustin Harger, who was born and raised in San Diego County. He studied Architectural Engineering and Graphic Design at California State University Long Beach before finding his way into IT.
Dustin has been with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for one year and is currently a Senior IT Engineer. When he is not busy working, he enjoys playing guitar, piano, golf and baseball. In his free time, he also likes reading, designing, and tinkering with computers, as he is a part of various IT trade organizations. Read more below about what inspired him to pursue a career in the Information Technology Division of the DA’s Office.
What is your position/describe your role at the DA’s Office?
“I am an IT Engineer – much of our day consists of finding effective solutions for complex issues and staying on the forefront of new technology to help everyone work safely and efficiently. Also reviewing A LOT of data.”
What is your favorite part of the job?
“Working with a great team at SDCDA and finding new, interesting problems to solve every day.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in IT for criminal justice system/law enforcement/DA’s Office?
“I really enjoy helping people, that’s the heart of any service/support role – I grew up working on electronics and building computers, so the IT part was a natural fit. Working for the San Diego DA’s office is an honor – what better way to help your community than to help support its justice system?”
Anything else you would like people to know about IT professionals?
“It is impossible to know everything in IT. We rely on each other as a team to share our expertise to resolve issues together. Just like in life – remember to reach out when you need help!”
The Information Technology Division strategically uses technology to support the operation of the District Attorney’s Office. The 28 employees who make up this unit, design, develop, implement, and support all information technology hardware, software, business applications, and websites. They also provide support for prosecution in the courtroom and community outreach efforts. In addition, ITD provides direct support to the City Attorney’s Office in their use of the District Attorney’s case management system for criminal prosecution.
Join us in recognizing all our IT Pros today and don’t forget to say “Happy IT Professionals Day” to your IT division!
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