> At a Glance
> – Stephen Coates, 62, accused of ramming his pickup into the couple’s Bay Park home on Dec. 29 and setting a fire
> – Monica Coates, 61, was found dead with burns; a temporary restraining order against her husband was active
> – Prosecutors cite special-circumstance allegations of arson and torture; death penalty or life sentence possible
> – Why it matters: Domestic-violence advocates say the case spotlights how legal protections can fail when mental-health red flags escalate
A 61-year-old woman is dead and her husband is charged with first-degree murder after what San Diego police describe as a deliberate truck crash and house fire that erupted in the early hours of Dec. 29.
The 911 Calls
Monica Coates phoned 911 just after 7:30 a.m. to report that 62-year-old Stephen Coates had plowed his pickup into their Bay Park residence, according to the San Diego Police Department. Neighbors simultaneously called about the collision; at least one told dispatchers screams echoed from inside moments later.
Officers reached the scene within ten minutes but received no response when they tried to reach anyone inside. They soon spotted smoke and a small blaze, forcing entry to check for occupants.
Inside the House
Monica was discovered in the primary bedroom with severe burn-pattern injuries. Stephen was located in the bathroom with burns on his body; he received first aid before being transported to a local hospital.
Fire crews extinguished the flames and shut off utilities. Homicide detectives and the city’s Metro Arson Strike Team later concluded Stephen both drove the truck and ignited the fire.
Restraining Order History
Court records show Monica had obtained a temporary restraining order in November after writing that her husband had become paranoid, convinced she was “conspiring with others to kill him.” She described his behavior as increasingly erratic and said he had asked a friend whether he should arm himself with a shotgun.
Key timeline points from the filing:
- Monica fled the residence, but returned after a neighbor warned her things had “escalated”
- Stephen allegedly booby-trapped the house
- A Psychiatric Emergency Response Team ultimately placed him on an involuntary psychiatric hold
Monica’s petition concluded: “I’m seeking protection because I’ve been told Steve still believes I am a threat” and expressed fear he might “do more in his current mental state.”
Charges and Potential Penalties
Stephen was booked into county jail on Dec. 31. A criminal complaint adds special-circumstance allegations of arson and mayhem, claiming the killing was intentional and involved torture.
| Possible Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Death penalty | On the table under special-circumstance murder |
| Life without parole | Alternative sentence if prosecutors don’t seek death |
| 25 years to life | Minimum prison term if special circumstances are dropped |
Key Takeaways
- Monica Coates had an active restraining order and documented escalating threats before her death
- Police say her husband intentionally crashed his truck and set the house ablaze
- The case now sits with prosecutors weighing whether to pursue capital punishment
Domestic-violence resources were listed at the end of the police release, urging anyone in danger to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
