Suspect in hammer attack charged with attempted murder

Ann Corrine Gustafson, age 27, was arrested Tuesday night, Oct. 1, for the bludgeoning of George Villareal, age 67, and his wife, Nancy Dobson-Villareal, 66, with a hammer, after someone was reported to have entered their home. A hot prowler was initially reported and then the call changed to an Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Gustafson was arrested for 187(APC) Attempted Murder 1st Degree-Felony, 245 (A)(1)PC-Assault with a Deadly Weapon/ADW Not Firearm: Great Bodily Injury; 368 (V)(1) PC harm/Death and Elder/Dep Adult; 459 PC Burglary.

She was scheduled to appear in court today, Oct. 4, 2024.

The Villareal couple was hospitalized Tuesday evening after being struck with hammers in an attack that took place in their home on 1120 E. Mission Rd. in Fallbrook.

Lt. Fox of the San Diego Sheriff's Department confirmed that "A 'known person' struck two 'known people' with a hammer, sending both to a local hospital" for treatment.

The victims, George Villareal and his wife have lived in the Crestview Estates mobile home park for approximately 16 years, according to neighbors who described the couple as keeping mostly to themselves.

The young woman appeared calm while being detained and arrested by deputies. She was dressed in a sleeveless white, collared, button-down blouse, a skort, and saddle shoes. After being detained she waited patiently in the squad car for at least 30 minutes until a female deputy arrived.

Authorities have not released information on the relationship between the suspect and the Villareals. However, George Villareal is listed on the Megan's Law website, having been convicted in 2005 of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was released from prison in 2008. It remains unclear if the attack was connected to his prior criminal history.

Detectives arrived at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

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Hammer attack leaves couple hospitalized

EARLY VERSION STORY: Two people were hospitalized this evening after being struck with hammers in an attack that took place in their home.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department received a call Tuesday night, Oct. 1, at 7 pm reporting an assault with a deadly weapon call in a mobile home park located at 1120 E. Mission Rd. in Fallbrook..

Lt. Fox of the San Diego Sheriff's Department confirmed that "A 'known person' struck two 'known people' with a hammer, sending both to a local hospital" for treatment.

The victims are George Villareal, 67, and his wife Nancy Villareal, 66. The Villareals have lived in the mobile home park for approximately 16 years, according to neighbors who described the couple as keeping mostly to themselves.

The person arrested for the attack has not been identified, but it was a woman who appeared calm while being questioned by deputies. She seemed to be young and was dressed in a sleeveless white, collared, button-down blouse, a skort, and saddle shoes. After being detained she waited patiently in the squad car for at least 30 minutes until a female deputy arrived.

Authorities have not released information on the relationship between the suspect and the Villareals. However, George Villareal is listed on the Megan's Law website, having been convicted in 2005 of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. He was released from prison in 2008. It remains unclear if the attack was connected to his prior criminal history.

Detectives arrived at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.