Former TV Host Faces Racially‑Motivated Highway Shooting Charges

A 46‑year‑old ex‑San Diego news anchor is now in jail after police linked him to two fatal shootings on a remote mountain road. The suspect, who once reported for Univision and Telemundo, was taken into custody at the international airport on March 10 while he was about to leave for a vacation. Investigators say forensic clues tie him to attacks on Palomar Mountain that occurred in October and February. The first incident happened on Oct. 6 along South Grade Road near the summit. A driver, later identified as Joseph, was in his car at about 9:30 p. m. when a hooded figure appeared, asked if he was Mexican, and fired. The bullet shattered the window and grazed Joseph’s arm but missed his head. Despite the injury, he managed to start the car, drive away, and later reach a nearby house for help. He was treated at Palomar Medical Center where his arm was saved.The second attack took place on Feb. 23 in the same area. A parked driver reported a gunman shooting once through the side window, narrowly missing him. Police later found a 9‑mm handgun at the suspect’s Chula Vista home, which they believe was used in one of the shootings. Both victims were Hispanic, and authorities say the shooter questioned their ethnicity before opening fire. Prosecutors are pursuing hate‑crime enhancements, though no additional charges have been announced beyond those already filed. The suspect’s wife denied the accusations, claiming the wrong person was targeted. The accused is a husband and father of five who has been released on bail. He is set to appear in court on March 17, but his legal representation has not been located.