Overview
- Stephen L. Coates, 62, was arraigned from a hospital on a murder charge in the death of his wife, 61-year-old Monica Coates, and could face the death penalty or 25 years to life if convicted.
- The criminal complaint includes special-circumstance allegations of arson and mayhem and alleges the killing involved torture, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
- Monica called 911 at 7:38 a.m. to report her husband had driven a pickup into their Bay Park home; officers arrived eight minutes later, found a small fire, and discovered her deceased with severe burn injuries in the master bathroom.
- SDPD homicide detectives say Stephen Coates drove the truck into the residence and started the fire; he was taken into custody at the scene and the Metro Arson Strike Team is assisting the investigation.
- Court records show Monica had a one-year restraining order effective December 1, citing her husband’s escalating paranoia; the medical examiner has not yet determined her official cause of death, and court dates are set for March 11 and April 15.