Man threatened to kill his 2-year-old daughters, then posted on social media ”I’m sending my babies to heaven” before plunging his vehicle off a cliff into the ocean; convicted
California – In a shocking incident in California, a 51-year-old man, identified as R. Brians, has admitted to charges of attempted murder and kidnapping, among other offenses, following a terrifying incident involving his two-year-old daughters. On Friday, Brians formally entered his guilty plea, accepting responsibility for attempting to murder his daughters and endangering their lives by driving off a cliff into the ocean. This shocking act occurred after a heated argument with the children’s mother and was reportedly motivated by a desire to harm the children and himself in a tragically misguided act of vengeance.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of June 13, 2020, when Brians, driven by a severe emotional breakdown, abducted his twin girls from his parents’ home without permission. His actions triggered an urgent response from the law enforcement after his ex-wife alerted them through a distressing 911 call. The situation escalated rapidly as Brians sent a series of chilling text messages to his ex-wife, threatening the lives of their daughters and indicating his intention to end their lives and his own. According to reports, Brians also posted “Tonight, I’m sending my babies to heaven” on social media.
According to reports, Brians was observed on a traffic camera speeding at 70 mph before he drove his vehicle off the cliff. The pickup truck flipped over and struck the water upside down, a terrifying plunge that could have ended in tragedy but fortunately did not lead to any fatalities.
The first responders’ heroic actions were crucial in the rescue. A veteran canine officer, J. Wiese, used a 100-foot dog leash to rappel down the cliff and reach the submerged vehicle. Officer Wiese found Brians and his daughters in the water and managed to bring them to safety, despite Brians’ delirious state and continued outbursts concerning his ex-wife. For his courageous efforts, Officer Wiese was later awarded the Carnegie Medal, recognizing his valor and quick thinking under pressure.
The plea deal reached between Brians’ defense attorney and the prosecutors led to the dismissal of several lesser charges, focusing on the gravest offenses, including two counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, child abuse, burglary, and domestic violence. The prosecution underscored the severity of Brians’ actions and their potential consequences had the rescue not been successful.
In court, Brians’ ex-wife provided testimony against him, further illustrating the distress she and her children faced due to his actions. This testimony helped to paint a fuller picture of the danger posed by Brians, contributing to the legal outcome of the case. Brians’ plea agreement includes a sentence of 31 years in state correctional facility, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the lasting impact they will have on his young daughters and their mother. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 20, where the full terms of his imprisonment will be finalized.
