On August 21, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego, California, resulting in the deaths of 61-year-old Laurie Robinson and her 30-year-old son, Brett Robinson. The incident took place at the residence of 85-year-old June Bushey, Laurie's mother, located on Zola Street, just a block from Point Loma High School. June sustained serious injuries during the attack but survived and was hospitalized.
The suspect, 60-year-old William Bushey, is June's son and Laurie's brother. He had been living with his mother for over 15 years, reportedly due to a chronic medical condition requiring her care. Neighbors and family members have indicated that there were concerns about William's behavior leading up to the incident. In fact, San Diego police had been called to the residence twice in the week prior to the shooting, on August 16 and August 19, due to reports of William's verbally aggressive behavior. However, officers determined that his actions did not meet the criteria for an emergency psychiatric hold, as he did not present an immediate danger to himself or others at those times.
On the day of the shooting, multiple 911 calls were made, including one from the suspect himself. Officers arrived to find William in front of the house with a shotgun nearby, which is believed to be the murder weapon. He was taken into custody without incident. Inside the residence, Laurie and Brett were found with fatal gunshot wounds, while June was discovered outside the home with serious injuries.
Following his arrest, William was charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. During a virtual arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court also issued a criminal protective order, prohibiting any contact between William and his mother, June. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 9, 2024.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Point Loma community, with family members and neighbors expressing shock and grief. The incident has also raised discussions about the challenges law enforcement faces in assessing potential threats and the limitations of current policies regarding mental health interventions.
