Son arrested on suspicion of murdering his mother in Clairemont

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after his mother was stabbed to death in a Clairemont apartment Thursday night, San Diego police said.

Jamal Aytes called police around 4:35 p.m. to report that his 60-year-old mother, Jacqueline Aytes, had “suffered a nervous breakdown” and was threatening him with a butter knife in their shared apartment on Mesa College Drive near Armstrong Street, said homicide Lt. Jud Campbell.

When officers arrived, they did not find Jamal, but they spoke with Jacqueline and concluded she did not meet the criteria for a mental health facility, Campbell said.

About three hours later, a hospital called police and told them that Jamal had come to the emergency room with cuts on his hands, investigators said.

Officers returned to the family's home to check on their well-being and found Jacqueline dead, apparently suffering from stab wounds, Campbell said.

Police said it was unclear what led to Jacqueline's stabbing.

Detectives are examining evidence and attempting to locate and interview witnesses, as well as searching for surveillance footage of the incident.

Campbell said early Friday afternoon that Aytes would be transferred to San Diego Central Jail as soon as he was able to leave the hospital.

Originally published: September 20, 2024 at 2:36 pm