On August 28, at 8:42 p.m., the San Diego Police Department received a call reporting shots being fired at a residence on Iona Drive in the Encanto area of San Diego. Officers were quickly dispatched and arrived at the scene a few minutes later. Upon arrival, they found a female and a dog suffering from apparent trauma to their bodies in the driveway of the residence. As the officers approached to provide aid to the injured female, the suspect opened fire on them from inside the house. One officer engaged in a gunfight with the suspect.
Additional officers arrived, and an emergency rescue operation was initiated to move the injured female to a safer location where medical aid could be administered. During this rescue mission, the officers once again came under fire from the suspect inside the residence. Despite the danger, the officers successfully rescued the female and immediately started life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Tragically, the female, identified as 74-year-old Maria Rosario Morales, did not survive her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Due to the extreme nature of the unfolding situation, the San Diego Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was requested. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Jesse Glen Nelson, remained uncooperative and proceeded to set fire to the garage of the residence. With a perimeter established and nearby homes evacuated, numerous commands were given to the suspect to surrender peacefully. However, the suspect, still armed with a rifle, was shot by an officer. Life-saving measures were performed on the suspect before he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 11:00 p.m.
The Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy, revealing that the cause of death for Jesse Nelson was gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was determined to be a homicide. Nelson’s last known address was in the city of San Diego.
Fortunately, no officers or civilians were injured during the incident. The officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Darwin Anderson and Matthew Steinbach. Officer Anderson has been with the San Diego Police Department since September 2021 and is currently assigned to the Southeastern Division. Officer Steinbach has been with the department for 11 years and is currently assigned to the Western Division and the SWAT unit.
Following the Countywide Memorandum of Understanding, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. At this stage of the investigation, the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being examined. Detectives are gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The San Diego community, along with law enforcement agencies, mourns the loss of Maria Rosario Morales and extends their deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones. Grieving the loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and the support and compassion of the community are crucial during this time. The San Diego Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating this incident and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Events like these remind us of the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. The quick response and courageous actions of the officers involved in this incident undoubtedly saved lives and prevented further harm. The San Diego Police Department will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents and remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the law.
As the investigation progresses, the San Diego Police Department will provide updates to the public, ensuring that the community remains informed about the steps being taken to bring justice and closure to this tragic event.
