Brothers Get 7 and 15 Years for Robbing Oceanside Victims at Gunpoint

Two brothers who robbed a pair of acquaintances at gunpoint in the victims' Oceanside home were sentenced today to state prison terms ranging from seven to 15 years.

Stephen Erwin, 22, pleaded guilty to robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and the use of a gun and was sentenced to the higher term. He also pleaded guilty to a burglary charge for breaking into the same home the night before.

His older brother, 23-year-old Brandon Joshua Erwin, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to the seven-year term. He also pleaded guilty to a burglary charge in a separate case, said Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles.

Authorities said the brothers went to a residence in the 700 block of Palette Court late on Dec. 16 and were let in by a man who lives there. The man was pistol-whipped and his girlfriend assaulted with an electric stun gun, according to authorities, who said the brothers then fled with a wallet and a laptop computer.

The couple, who were treated at the scene for minor injuries, directed police to a Vista Way motel, where the brothers were known to stay. They were found there and arrested without further incident.

—City News Servce