Man Charged with Murder After Driving Truck Into Home

A San Diego man, Stephen Coates, 62, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following an incident on December 29 where he allegedly crashed his truck into his home and started a fire. His wife, 61-year-old Monica Coates, was found deceased inside the residence with extensive burn injuries. Responding officers found Stephen Coates in a bathroom with burn injuries, and he was subsequently hospitalized.

The investigation revealed that Monica Coates had a temporary restraining order against her husband, filed in November, citing his escalating paranoia and erratic behavior. She had expressed fear for her safety, noting his belief that she was conspiring against him. The situation had escalated to the point where psychiatric emergency personnel had to remove Stephen from the home.

Stephen Coates was booked on December 31, facing charges that include special circumstances of arson and mayhem, with allegations of intentional killing involving torture. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or a life sentence in state prison. The San Diego Police Department is continuing the investigation.