San Bernardino Probationers: Fatal Stabbing Suspects

CARLSBAD, CA – Two suspects, Ian Bushee, 37, and Malissa James, 26, both listed as transients on probation for residential burglary in San Bernardino, were arrested Monday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Carlsbad woman inside her home and the alleged theft of her car, according to authorities.

The victim, herself, called 911 around 12:30 a.m. Monday reporting she had been stabbed at her home in the 1800 block of Outrigger Lane in Carlsbad, according to police.

Arriving officers found the 64-year-old woman suffering from multiple stab wounds, Lt. Jason Jackowski said. Paramedics took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead about 1:30 a.m Monday. Her name was withheld pending family notification.

Investigators believe the man and woman broke into the victim's home and attacked her, then fled in her vehicle, Jackowski said. Officers searched for the burglars by ground and aboard a law enforcement helicopter throughout Monday morning.

Deputies found the victim's vehicle abandoned in the 800 block of Grand Avenue in San Marcos shortly after 5:30 a.m., San Diego County Sheriff's Lt. David Buether said.

Later that morning, the pair were arrested near the site of the home- invasion on suspicion of homicide, burglary, criminal conspiracy and auto theft, Carlsbad police Lt. Greg Koran said. It was unclear why the two suspects returned to the area near the home- invasion after allegedly taking the victim's vehicle to San Marcos.

Bushee and James were arrested last April after a homeowner in Upland walked in on them burglarizing a home, according to The Press-Enterprise in Riverside. The pair allegedly fled with thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and electronics, including $70,000 worth of valuable coins in a sock for which Bushee allegedly tried to get rid of.

Bushee and James were both being held without bail at the Vista Detention Facility pending arraignment, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, according to jail records. Bushee was arrested for suspicion of homicide, burglary, conspiracy, auto theft and accessory after the fact. James was arrested for suspicion of homicide, burglary, conspiracy and auto theft.

Investigators said they believe no additional suspects were involved in the murder.

"The police department shares the communities' concern over such a tragic incident," Carlsbad Police Chief Neil Gallucci said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's family."

Anyone who believes they might have additional information about the incident was asked to call Carlsbad police at (760) 931-2197.

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--City News Service contributed to this post