On August 21, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego, resulting in the deaths of 30-year-old Brett Robinson and his mother, 61-year-old Laurie Robinson. The incident took place at a residence in the 3600 block of Zola Street, where Brett and Laurie were visiting family.
The San Diego Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at approximately 3:55 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found Brett and Laurie Robinson deceased from gunshot wounds. A third victim, 85-year-old June Bushey, was discovered outside the home with serious injuries; she was transported to a local hospital and was expected to survive.
The suspect, 60-year-old William Bushey, was present at the scene and taken into custody without incident. A shotgun, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered near the front of the house. Investigations revealed that Bushey is the son of June Bushey and had been living with her for at least 15 years. The victims, Laurie and Brett Robinson, were identified as Bushey's sister and nephew, respectively.
In the days leading up to the shooting, police had been called to the residence twice due to concerns about Bushey's behavior. On August 16 and again on August 19, family members reported his verbally aggressive conduct and the presence of weapons. Officers responded but determined that Bushey did not meet the criteria for an emergency psychiatric hold, as he exhibited no signs of being an immediate danger to himself or others at those times.
Following his arrest, Bushey was charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He pleaded not guilty during a virtual arraignment on August 23, 2024. The court ordered a criminal protective order against him for his mother, June Bushey, prohibiting any contact between them. If convicted on all charges, Bushey faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The tragic deaths of Brett and Laurie Robinson have deeply affected their family and the local community. Friends and neighbors have expressed their grief and shock, remembering the victims as cherished individuals whose lives were abruptly taken in this senseless act of violence.
