San Diego police say 62-year-old Stephen Coates has been arrested on a first-degree murder charge after allegedly driving his truck into his Bay Park home and setting it on fire on Dec. 29. Officers found his 61-year-old wife, Monica Coates, dead in the primary bedroom with severe burn injuries; Stephen was located with burns and taken to a hospital. Court records show Monica had a temporary restraining order citing Stephen's paranoia and alleged "booby trapping" of the home. A criminal complaint cites special circumstances of arson and mayhem; if convicted he could face the death penalty or 25 years to life.
San Diego Man Charged With Murder After Alleged Truck Attack and House Fire Kills Wife
NBC 7/YoutubeThe truck involved in the death of Monica Coates in San Diego
A San Diego man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after police say he deliberately drove his pickup truck into the couple's Bay Park home and set the residence on fire, killing his wife.
Authorities say 62-year-old Stephen Coates was taken into custody in connection with the Dec. 29 incident that left 61-year-old Monica Coates dead. According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), Monica placed a 911 call shortly after 7:30 a.m. to report that her husband had crashed his vehicle into their house. Neighbors also reported the collision, and one neighbor said they heard screams coming from inside after the impact.
Officers arrived within about 10 minutes and, seeing smoke and a small fire, entered the home to check on residents. Inside the primary bedroom, investigators found Monica deceased with severe injuries described as consistent with burning. Stephen Coates was located in a bathroom with burn injuries; officers administered first aid and he was later taken to a local hospital.
San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel extinguished the blaze and shut off utilities. Homicide detectives assumed the investigation, and San Diego’s Metro Arson Strike Team is examining the fire-related evidence.
Background: Restraining Order, Mental-Health Concerns
Court records obtained by NBC San Diego indicate Monica had filed a temporary restraining order against Stephen in November, saying his behavior had grown increasingly paranoid and erratic. In her filings, she wrote that he believed she was "conspiring with others to kill him," demanded access to her phone and online accounts, and asked a friend whether he should arm himself with a shotgun. She reported that he had "booby trapped" the house and that psychiatric emergency personnel had previously removed him from the home and placed him on a psychiatric hold.
SDPD: Officers "attempted to call out the residents, but there was no response," then entered after seeing smoke and fire.
A criminal complaint obtained by NBC alleges the killing involved special circumstances of arson and mayhem, and that the death was intentional and involved torture. Online jail records indicate Stephen Coates was booked on Dec. 31 on a first-degree murder charge. If convicted, prosecutors say he could face the death penalty or 25 years to life in state prison.
Ongoing Investigation and How To Help
San Diego police urge anyone with information to contact the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. The Metro Arson Strike Team is assisting with the fire investigation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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