Overview
- San Diego police identified the couple as Stephen Coates, 62, and Monica Coates, 61, and arrested him on suspicion of murder.
- Monica Coates called 911 at about 7:38 a.m. Monday reporting her husband had driven a pickup into the home at 4312 Dakota Drive.
- Officers arrived minutes later, saw smoke from a small fire, entered the house, and found Monica dead with severe burn injuries in the master bathroom alongside Stephen, who was also burned.
- Detectives determined Stephen drove the truck into the residence and started the fire, with the Metro Arson Strike Team assisting and the ignition source not yet disclosed.
- Police say Monica had a temporary restraining order against Stephen, neighbors reported screams and tried to intervene, and investigators are seeking tips from witnesses.