On February 23, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., deputies responded to a shooting in the 7500 block of Mendoza Road on the Rincon Indian Reservation near Valley Center, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 46-year-old Jason Gillespie suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries on February 26, 2024, at around 11:30 p.m.
At the scene, authorities detained 31-year-old Valley Center resident, Kyle Del Gregory, and recovered a rifle. Initially charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, Del Gregory's charges were elevated to murder following Gillespie's death. He is currently held without bail at the Vista Detention Facility.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Medical Examiner's Office has ruled Gillespie's death a homicide due to gunshot wounds. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330 or, after hours, at (858) 565-5200. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
