San Diego Man’s Shocking 31-Year Sentence Reveals Disturbing Family Crime

Yellow crime scene tape crossing an open doorway.

A San Diego father’s attempt to murder his twin daughters ends in a 31-year prison sentence, leaving a community shocked and a family forever changed.

At a Glance

Robert Brians, 51, sentenced to 31 years for driving off Sunset Cliffs with his 2-year-old twin daughters
Pleaded guilty to attempted murder, kidnapping, child abuse, and domestic violence
Heroic rescue by San Diego Police Officer Jonathan Wiese saved the girls’ lives
10-year no-contact order issued, prohibiting Brians from communicating with his daughters and ex-wife

A Father’s Unthinkable Act

On June 12, 2020, San Diego was rocked by a horrifying incident that defied comprehension. Robert Brians, a 51-year-old father, drove his truck off a 30-foot cliff at Sunset Cliffs with his twin 2-year-old daughters inside. This deliberate act, rooted in domestic conflicts, led to Brians’ recent sentencing of 31 years in state prison for attempted murder and related charges.

The night of the incident, Brians took the children from his parents’ home with the intent to kill them and himself. He sent threatening messages to Jenna Brians, the girls’ mother, including a chilling Facebook post suggesting he intended to “send his daughters to Heaven.” Police tracked Brians to Sunset Cliffs and witnessed the truck plunging over the edge.

Heroic Rescue and Aftermath

In a display of extraordinary bravery, San Diego Police Officer Jonathan Wiese, a former Marine, used a 100-foot dog leash to rappel down the cliff and rescue the girls. His quick thinking and courage prevented what could have been a tragic loss of young lives. The twins, Hailey and Aubrey, survived with injuries, including a brain bleed and compression fractures for Hailey.

“Without him and that amazing dog leash, today we wouldn’t be standing here with a victory,” Jenna Brians said. “So I’m just eternally grateful for life.”

The incident shed light on the darker aspects of domestic violence, showcasing how it can escalate to unthinkable extremes. Deputy District Attorney Franciesca Balerio emphasized the gravity of Brians’ actions, stating that using innocent children to get back at a spouse is “the epitome of evil.”

Justice Served and Moving Forward

The sentencing of Robert Brians to 31 years in state prison brings a measure of closure to a case that has haunted the San Diego community for years. In addition to the prison term, a 10-year no-contact order was issued, prohibiting Brians from communicating with Jenna Brians or the girls. This decision aims to protect the family and allow them to heal without further interference.

“Knowing that this day was coming has been haunting us for four years,” the girls’ mother Jenna Brians said following the sentencing. “But it’s nice to finally have closure today, not just for myself, but for my daughters most of all, to know that their dad is taking responsibility for the horrific acts that he made that day, the choices that he’s made.”

As the community reflects on this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support for families in crisis. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) remains available for those seeking help, and local resources like One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center offer free support services for various forms of abuse and victimization.

While the scars of this incident will remain, Jenna Brians looks forward to moving on and watching her daughters grow and thrive. The resilience of the human spirit, exemplified by the survivors and the community’s response, offers hope for a brighter future despite the darkness of the past.