Sadie Stockalper, a vibrant and beloved member of the Warner Springs community, tragically lost her life on May 1, 2015, in a horrific act of violence. Sadie, 28, and her mother, Felice Howard-Vinnard, were found dead in their home on Chihuahua Valley Road. The investigation revealed that they were both fatally shot by Sadie's former boyfriend, Steven Keith, in what was determined to be a double murder-suicide. Keith, 52, had been living with the two women for several months before the incident, but their relationship had ended about a month prior to the tragedy. On the fateful day, Keith shot Sadie and her mother multiple times in the upper body before turning the gun on himself. He was found alive but succumbed to his injuries before he could be airlifted to a hospital.
The community was left in shock and mourning, as Sadie and her mother were well-loved and respected. Sadie was known for her unbridled energy, artistic and culinary talents, and her ability to connect with everyone she met. She had recently started a thriving catering and home meal delivery business, using organic foods from her garden. Her restaurant, Sadie's Homestyle Restaurant, had been a favorite among locals until it was destroyed in a fire. Despite the setbacks, Sadie remained resilient and continued to pursue her passion for cooking and serving her community.
The investigation into the deaths of Sadie and her mother confirmed that the motive behind the murder-suicide was related to the troubled relationship between Sadie and Keith. Friends and family were shocked by the violence, as Keith had been a familiar presence in their lives. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department conducted a thorough investigation, which concluded that Keith acted alone in the crime. There were no other suspects or arrests made in connection with the case.
The tragic loss of Sadie Stockalper and her mother left a void in the Warner Springs community. Their deaths highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and support in troubled relationships. The community came together to honor their memory, holding a joint memorial service and establishing a memorial fund to support causes that were close to Sadie's heart. The legacy of Sadie Stockalper continues to live on through the memories of those who knew and loved her.
