by San Diego, California — A woman is dead and her husband is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he intentionally crashed his pickup truck into their home and ignited a fire inside, despite a temporary restraining order that had been issued against him weeks earlier.
The deadly incident unfolded in San Diego’s Bay Park neighborhood and prompted a major homicide and arson investigation.
911 call reports deliberate crash into home
According to the San Diego Police Department, the incident occurred on December 29 shortly after 7:30 a.m. when 61-year-old Monica Coates called 911 to report that her husband had driven his truck into their house.
Neighbors also contacted emergency dispatchers, with one reporting hearing screams coming from inside the home after the crash.
Officers arrived within minutes but received no response when attempting to contact anyone inside.
Police enter home after spotting fire and smoke
Police said officers observed smoke and a small fire inside the residence, prompting them to enter the home to check on the occupants.
Inside the primary bedroom, officers discovered Monica Coates deceased, suffering from severe burn injuries.
“She was found with severe injuries consistent with being burned,” police said in a statement.
Husband found injured inside bathroom
Authorities said Monica’s husband, 62-year-old Stephen Coates, was also inside the home — found in a bathroom with burn injuries.
He was provided first aid at the scene and later transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department responded to extinguish the fire and shut off utilities to the residence.
Investigators say crash and fire were intentional
Homicide detectives later determined that Stephen Coates was driving the truck when it crashed into the home and was responsible for starting the fire inside the house, police said.
San Diego’s Metro Arson Strike Team has joined the investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fire.
Victim had restraining order against husband
Police confirmed that Monica Coates had a temporary restraining order against her husband at the time of her death.
Court records obtained by NBC San Diego show Monica first sought the order in November, citing escalating paranoia and erratic behavior.
In her filing, she wrote that her husband believed she was “conspiring with others to kill him” and that his behavior made her fear for her safety.
Court documents detail growing concerns
According to the records, Stephen allegedly demanded access to Monica’s phone and online accounts, searching for supposed evidence of the conspiracy.
Monica also stated that her husband asked a friend whether he should arm himself with a shotgun for protection.
At one point, Monica reportedly fled the home, returning only after a neighbor warned her that the situation had “escalated.”
Court documents allege Stephen had “booby trapped” the house, prompting officers from a Psychiatric Emergency Response Team to remove him involuntarily and place him on a psychiatric hold.
Monica warned court she feared further harm
In her restraining order request, Monica reportedly wrote that she was seeking protection because she had been told Stephen still believed she posed a threat and feared he might “do more in [his] current mental state.”
Despite those warnings, authorities say the situation turned fatal weeks later.
Husband charged with first-degree murder
Online jail records show Stephen Coates was booked on December 31 on a charge of first-degree murder.
A criminal complaint alleges the killing involved special circumstances of arson and mayhem, and claims the act was intentional and involved torture.
If convicted, Stephen could face 25 years to life in prison or the death penalty, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
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Investigation ongoing, police seek information
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the SDPD Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
Tragedy highlights domestic violence warning signs
Authorities say the case underscores the dangers of escalating domestic violence and untreated mental health crises, particularly when warning signs and restraining orders are already in place.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or fears for their safety, help is available.
Reach out to local authorities or domestic violence support services immediately. Share your thoughts or messages of support in the comments as this case continues to unfold.
