San Diego Criminal Attorneys Blog
Early morning on Monday, July 19, 2011, San Diego was shocked by the murder of a veteran police detective, Donna Williams 52, and her teenage daughter, Briana Williams 18. Both women were stabbed to death early Monday morning in their Rancho Penasquitos home. Residents in the area said they were startled by screams, at 1 a.m. Monday morning. Witnesses said screams were originating from the Williams home which pierced the silence. One witness who heard the screams of pain was so startled that she was scared to look outside to see what was happening.
Donna Williams, was a veteran Police Detective who had been working for the San Diego Police Department for over 30 years. She also worked as a child abuse investigator and recently on a high profile case of the 2002 murder of Danielle Van Dam. Co-workers and friends of Donna Williams stated that she was a very caring person with a warm welcoming heart.
Briana Williams know as Bree just graduated from Mt. Carmel High School and planned to continue her education at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco this fall. She also played softball for the San Diego Renegades a traveling softball team, and was a very talented athlete. Don Portugal her couch described her as a caring, hard working and talented athlete.
Mrs. Williams was found dead when police arrived on the scene. Police found Bree Williams outside on a walkway appearing to have fallen or was pushed from the second story. Bree also received severe wounds from a knife. When police entered the home they also found Donna Williams who had been stabbed to death. Arriving paramedics were unable to save Bree Williams who was dying when police arrived on the scene.
The primary suspect of the murder is Brian Williams, 24, who is the son of Donna Williams and brother of Bree Williams. He was found sitting calmly next to his dying sister when police arrived on the scene. He was arrested for suspected murder, and was taken peacefully and without resistance. Police commented that Brian Williams did not appear to be under the influences of any drugs during arrest.
Source:
RANCHO PENASQUITOS: SDPD veteran, Mt. Carmel grad identified as stabbing victims, North County Times