Robbery Called Motive in Slaying of Publisher

Homicide detectives investigating the slaying of William H. Thompson, the publisher of San Diego’s only black newspaper, said Thursday they believe robbery was the motive for the killing.

Thompson’s body was found Tuesday morning in a first-floor bedroom of his two-story home after police responded to a call of a possible burglary.

Sgt. Art Beaudry said detectives could not find any sign of a forced entry and believed that the 61-year-old Southeast developer may have known his killer or killers, or may have left the door open.

“It could be someone that he knew that just walked in or someone that just walked through an open door,” Beaudry said. He said someone had searched through the house, which was equipped with a sophisticated alarm system.

Beaudry said police have been unable to find Thompson’s wallet but that “doesn’t mean the wallet was taken.”

He said detectives were still exploring other possible motives for the killing.

Police said they were interviewing many of Thompson’s acquaintances to determine if anything is missing from the home.

Thompson’s 1984 Oldsmobile Toronado, discovered missing after his slaying, was recovered Wednesday in the 3000 block of Imperial Avenue after police received an anonymous tip. The car had been stripped.

Deputy Coroner Everett Mauger confirmed Thursday that multiple stab wounds inflicted to the neck and torso were the cause of Thompson’s death.

According to friends, Thompson was single and lived alone.

Thompson, president of William H. Thompson Associates, a real estate firm, bought Voice & Viewpoint in September, 1985. Editors at the weekly newspaper said Thompson helped increase the newspaper’s circulation and expanded its coverage of the black community.

Black leaders lauded Thompson’s recent efforts to create jobs and improve housing in the city’s poorest areas. He headed efforts to build condominiums and apartment complexes in Southeast.

He also was a strong supporter of the Gateway redevelopment project, a 130-acre business and industry park planned to provide jobs for Southeast residents.