A woman was beaten into a coma during a break-in at billionaire Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner’s California home on May 21, said California prosecutors.
Linda Malek-Aslanian, 60, was left comatose due to a brain injury after Russell Maxwell Phay, 42, allegedly broke into Warner’s home in Montecito. Phay is now in police custody facing attempted murder charges.
According to police filings, Phay may not have known the identity of the homeowner when he broke in.
The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office has been contacted via email for further comment.
The Context
The felony complaint against Phay, a Nevada resident with a criminal background, states that his previous parole and probation performances were “unsatisfactory,” and that he could have been serving consecutive sentences for his prior offenses which included domestic violence, but instead served concurrent sentences, which could have led to him being free to travel to California to allegedly commit this break-in.
The complaint, filed by Santa Barbara District Attorney (DA) John Savrnoch, also states that the victim in this case was “particularly vulnerable.”
What To Know
According to law enforcement, Phay broke into Warner’s mansion on May 21. After entering the property, he allegedly claimed it was his home and demanded that everyone leave, including Malek-Aslanian, a financial services expert.
Police believed it was a hostage situation, and sent an armored vehicle and K-9 unit to the scene. Upon their arrival, police said Phay barricaded himself into a bathroom on the second floor, and then jumped from the window to the ground outside where he was apprehended.
Warner, Ty Inc. CEO who is worth $5.9 billion according to Forbes, and known for being reclusive, was at his property at the time of the attack, but it is unclear at this time whether he and Phay interacted.
Phay is alleged to have beaten Malek-Aslanian with his hands, as evidence from the scene points to him not possessing a weapon at the time of the attack, according to authorities.
What People Are Saying
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office statement: “This investigation remains ongoing. At this point, investigators do not have any indication that the victim or suspect knew one another. The status of the victim is not available at this time.”
What Happens Next
Phay’s first hearing will be on June 2 over his charges of First Degree Attempted Murder with Premeditation and Deliberation, Residential Burglary with a Person Present, Kidnapping, Assault with a Force likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury, and Resisting or Delaying a Peace Officer.
Phay has also been charged with special allegations for Personally Inflicting Great Bodily Injury resulting in a Coma. His bail has been set at $1 million.
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