CHULA VISTA : Death Penalty to Be Sought in Slaying
A prosecutor announced Wednesday that he will seek the death penalty for the man accused of murdering an elderly Chula Vista resident and holding hostages after a police chase.
Special-circumstances allegations were filed against Robert Jacobsen, 35, that accuse him of murdering the elderly man in his home during a robbery and burglary.
Ten days after the Feb. 18 slaying of William Warden, 74, Jacobsen was wounded as he fled from police, then allegedly took hostages at ReadiCare Clinic in Chula Vista, holding one of them as long as 26 hours.
Jacobsen’s attorney, Victor Eriksen, said he was disappointed with the decision of the district attorney’s office to seek the death penalty for Jacobsen, if he is convicted.
“I’m disappointed they would seek death in this case. It’s not deserving of that penalty consideration,” Eriksen said.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Gordon Paul Davis said he will seek the death penalty because Jacobsen, a friend of the Warden family, premeditated the crime.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Laura Palmer Hammes scheduled trial for Oct. 19.
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