H.I.T. Self Defense

Man Enters Plea in Murder of Rancho Bernardo Neighbor

SAN DIEGO - He’s accused of brutally killing a woman he barely knew. An unemployed Rancho Bernardo man learned his bail is set at $2 million dollars on Tuesday for allegedly murdering his neighbor, Jennifer Jones. The prosecutor argued there is good reason for the high bail.

“This was a completely unprovoked ambush and a brutal attack,” says Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler.

Spieler told the judge that Richard Saldivar attacked the 28-year old engineer after she arrived home from work at Solar Turbine.

“He armed himself with a knife, waited outside and when Ms. Jones had her back turned to enter her apartment the defendant followed her inside… based on the evidence we have the attack came swiftly. Ms. Jones died of multiple stab wounds to her upper body,” says Spieler.

The Prosecutor didn’t give a motive but said Saldivar had gotten an eviction notice the day of the killing.

This is a real unfortunate story. This young lady returned home from work and was attacked right in front of her apartment. To make matters worse, she was on the phone at the time talking to her parents.

As always, let me first say, these tips are meant as a means to help prevent future attacks. I do not mean to imply that this young lady could have prevented this unprovoked or unforeseen attack.

Here are a few key tips on the subject of personal safety and home safety:
A. Keep alert when you are on your way from your car to your front door. This can often be a key time for an attack. More often than not, people let their guard down as they approach their home thinking they are in a safe zone.

B. Stay off cell phones and don’t text until you are in your home safely. Again, a predator might be more likely to attack when he thinks your guard is down or when you aren’t paying attention.

C. Have your keys in your hand ready to open the front door. Don’t ‘dilly dally’ in front of your door looking for the key.

D. Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. If you have a feeling that something is wrong (example: front door is ajar, garage door is open, stranger or stranger(s) loitering near your home or apartment) call the police and drive to a place of safety. Do not exit the car and investigate yourself.

E. Have an exit strategy: play the ‘if this… than that’ game. As you’re walking to your home, imagine that someone comes at you from a hidden or dark area. What do you do? If this is a property crime - give them the property, run and yell (throw your purse, wallet in the opposite direction, run and yell). If this is a crime against person - remember to focus on the ’soft, vulnerable parts’ (eyes/groin): strike and flee. The more you practice (even in your imagination) the less likely you will be to freeze if the situation ever happens in real life. You will have a plan of action and a plan of escape.

Two important things, here: (1). From the sounds of things, this lady never had any idea this guy was going to attack her. In addition, the attack sounds so swift and brutal; she probably never had a chance to defend herself. (2). I don’t mean to suggest that you should be paranoid of everyday situations - just be a bit more ‘on guard’ in potentially high risk situations and areas.

Stay safe.

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