Top 10 Crime Stories in 2011

Top 10 Local Crime Stories in 2011

In no particular order:

• SDPD Detective, Daughter Killed at Home in PQ (July)

Longtime San Diego Police Department Detective Donna Williams and her 18-year-old daughter Briana were stabbed to death in their home in Rancho Peñasquitos in the . A stunned witness said he saw the teen, who had recently graduated from Mt. Carmel High School, be shoved from an upstairs balcony by her 24-year-old brother, Brian. The brother would later be indicted on but ruled at this time. Friends and family members of the Williams women held a and said goodbye at an .

• 'Gumby' and Friend Accused of Burglary (September)

The jokes just wouldn't stop after 19-year-old Jacob Kiss, in a bright green Gumby costume, allegedly in Rancho Peñasquitos in early September. A store clerk thought it was all a joke, and Kiss, who was joined by his friend Jason Giramma, left. But police were later called and the duo was charged with burglary. They but could have the pleas withdrawn and charges dismissed in a few months if they are successful on probation and show proof of employment or enrollment in school.

• Skimmers Go Undercover (November)

Many people have learned to look for strange attachments and small cameras on ATMs and gas pump credit card swipers, but what can you do if the info-stealing devices are hidden inside of the machine? That's what residents—and police—were trying to figure out after the inside of a local gas pump. Police advise residents to check their credit card statements for odd charges.

• Seniors Get Scammed (August)

San Diego police and the Rancho Bernardo Community Council's Public Safety Committee partnered for a about senior scams after many RB residents fell victim to the ploys. Some of the tricks: "grandchildren" calling for money; tax helpers who help themselves to seniors' funds. The series is expected to continue in 2012.

• Vulgar Postal Stickers and Window Smashings (May)

More than a dozen cars had their windows smashed in Seven Oaks, including one that also was left covered with postal stickers with vulgar messages and drawings of male genitalia. The , with . Police said teens are usually behind such pranks.

• Decorated Marine Nearly Killed in DUI Crash (July)

On July 31, Gunnery Sgt. Dave Smith was at a red light on his motorcycle on West Bernardo Drive when a 22-year-old woman . The woman, Jessica Marie Bloom, then left the scene. Smith, who was partially decapitated and expected by doctors to die, has made a strong recovery since. Bloom's blood alcohol level was measured at .37 percent, and she has pleaded guilty to DUI and hit-and-run charges.

• Barbershop Robbed at Gunpoint with Three Children Inside (February)

The owner of Westwood Barbershop on West Bernardo Drive was just about to close for the night when and demanded money from the cash register. The owner and her daughter, along with three young children, were in the shop at the time and quickly complied, fearing for the lives of the young ones. No one was injured, but the women were shaken up. The case is currently listed as open, but inactive.

• Man Accused of Taking Thousands of Upskirt Videos, Photos (November)

Police said a of a former Rancho Bernardo tire shop employee accused of taking 2,100 upskirt videos and photos. The suspect, 22-year-old Julio Cesar Garcia, has and is set to be back in court next month.

• Teenage Girls Raped in PQ (September)

Two teenage girls had left a family party to head to a nearby park when they were allegedly raped by 16-year-olds Leonel Contreras and William Steven Rodriguez. The suspects recently . The crime, which shocked the PQ community, spurred the Rancho Peñasquitos Town Council to hasten a .

• Drunken Driver Sentenced for Killing Rancho Bernardo Man (January)

Marc Durham, 65, had just retired from BAE Systems and was looking forward to spending more time with his family when he was killed by a drunken driver at the intersection of Camino del Norte and Carmel Mountain Road. That driver—Anthony Guarino—was in prison after being of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Guarino's attorney had tried to blame the crash on sleep apnea. Durham's family said they forgive Guarino but that he must pay for what he has done.

Also:

• (April)

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