Fallbrook murder victim named

The Medical Examiner's Office determined the preliminary results for cause of death to be blunt force trauma and the manner of death was a homicide. The victim was positively identified this morning as 38-year-old Douglas Hardy.

Any criminal proceedings, and comments related to such, will be handled by the District Attorney's Office.

Homicide detectives arrested 35-year-old Brian Francis Zielinski for killing Hardy.

Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances and motivation behind this death. The investigation is ongoing. Any criminal proceedings, and comments related to such, will be handled by the District Attorney's Office.

UPDATE 5PM 02/10/24

Murder suspect named in Fallbrook murder.

Homicide detectives arrested 35-year-old Brian Francis Zielinski for killing the victim Friday, 02/10/24 at the Econolodge in Fallbrook. Zielinski was booked into San Diego Central Jail for 187 (A) PC – Murder.

At this time the victim's identity has still not been confirmed.

UPDATE at 3am 02/10/24

Naked man arrested after homicide

At about 4:21 p.m., on Friday, Feb 9, Fallbrook Sheriff deputies were called to a scene in the 1600 block of S. Mission Road after receiving a disconnected distress call, according to San Diego Sheriffs Lt. Joseph Jarjura.

Upon arrival, they found an unidentified adult male dead.

A witness reported seeing a person, potentially the suspect, fleeing the area on foot with blood-stained clothing and provided a description to the deputies, said Lt. Jarjura.

Following the witness's account, deputies initiated a search and established a perimeter around the area. Subsequently, a neighbor near Palomino and Morro Rd reported a suspicious individual in their yard, leading to a foot chase that ended with the suspect's detainment. Sources at the scene noted the individual was found naked with blood on his body in the backyard of a nearby home.

The identity of the victim remains unconfirmed, pending family notification. Homicide investigators are working to uncover the circumstances and motive behind the death. Currently, there are no outstanding suspects, and the investigation is actively continuing.

No information about the suspect is being released at this time by the Sheriff's dept.

Law enforcement, including units from surrounding areas such as Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista, responded promptly. San Diego Sheriff's Lt. Tingley mentioned that although someone connected to the incident was apprehended, their official status as a suspect remained unconfirmed early on when Village News spoke with him. However, according to a press release at 11 pm, that person detained is the only suspect in custody and no other suspects are being sought.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Video from on the scene from Gilberto Gonzales: https://youtu.be/-7-ZvvN6EXA

For additional footage from the scene from AC Investigations, see a short video at: https://youtu.be/thadSOx5jNU

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A homicide investigation unfolded Friday afternoon, 02/09/24, in the 1600 block of S. Mission Rd., leading to the detainment of a suspect found naked in the backyard of a nearby home at Palomino and Morro Rd, sources at the scene reported.

A homeowner was reported to have called in a naked man in their backyard. It was also noted that the man had blood on his naked body.

The incident commenced at 4:21 p.m. when authorities received a distress call indicating a stabbing near the Econolodge. Initially perceived as an assault with a deadly weapon, the situation escalated to a homicide after the victim succumbed to their injuries, as per sources familiar with the matter.

Fallbrook Sheriffs, accompanied by units from surrounding jurisdictions, including Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista promptly responded to the scene. San Diego Sheriff's Lieutenant Tingley noted that while a person linked to the incident had been apprehended, law enforcement officials could not officially confirm their status as a suspect.

Village News remains present at the site and pledges to provide updates as the situation unfolds. Residents are advised to avoid the vicinity of S. Mission and Grand Tradition Way until further notice.

Video from on the scene from Gilberto Gonzales: https://youtu.be/-7-ZvvN6EXA

For additional footage from the scene from AC Investigations, see a short video at: https://youtu.be/thadSOx5jNU

This report is based on preliminary information and subject to change.

According to sources at the scene of a homicide in the 1600 block of S. Mission Rd., a suspect was detained, naked in the backyard of a home nearby.

At 4:21 pm a call came in to the Sheriff that a person had been stabbed near the Econolodge. Initially the call was believed to be an assault with a deadly weapon charge, but turned into a homicide as the victim passed away, according to sources on the scene.

For a short video by AC Investigations at the scene, go to: https://youtu.be/thadSOx5jNU

A second video is available by Gilberto Gonzales: https://youtu.be/-7-ZvvN6EXA

Fallbrook Sheriffs are on the scene with several agencies from surrounding areas, including Oceanside K-9 units.

This is an early breaking news story.

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Homicide leads to search for suspect

A person who is believed to be related to the scene has been detained, however deputies can't confirm that he is the suspect, according to San Diego Sheriff's Lieutenant Timgley.

At 4:21 pm a call came in to the Sheriff that a person had been stabbed near the Econolodge in the 1600 block of S. Mission Rd. The assault with a deadly weapon charge turned into a homicide as the victim passed away, according to sources.

Fallbrook Sheriffs are on the scene with several agencies from surrounding areas, including Oceanside K-9 units.

Village News is on the scene and will continue to follow the story tonight. It is advised to stay clear of S. Mission and Grand Tradition Way.