Attackers Shoot, Stab Couple

A Mira Mesa couple who were beaten and stabbed during an attempted burglary earlier this month were attacked in their home again Wednesday afternoon by two men who match the burglars’ description, police said.

San Diego police spokesman Bill Robinson said it was unclear whether the attacks are related.

Arthur Clemena, 31, and his 25-year-old wife, Lilliana Clemena, arrived at their house a little before 4 p.m. Wednesday, Robinson said. They were confronted inside by two men in their mid-20s wearing dark clothing.

Arthur Clemena was shot, and Lilliana Clemena was stabbed in the arm and head, Robinson said. Neighbors called police when they saw Lilliana Clemena running down the street.

“We received a 911 call from a citizen who reported the lady running down the street. She’s bleeding and she’s screaming that her husband has been shot,” Robinson said.

Both assailants got away, but an automatic weapon was recovered at the house, Robinson said.

Arthur Clemena was taken by paramedics to Scripps Memorial Hospital, where a nursing supervisor said he was in fair condition Wednesday night. Lilliana Clemena was at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

About midnight on Aug. 15, the couple were victims of an attempted burglary while they were home, Robinson said. They were both beaten and stabbed.

“The suspect description generally matches the description given (Wednesday) afternoon,” Robinson said.

While police are calling both incidents attempted burglaries, there was no property loss in either case, Robinson said.

“There’s no apparent motive for the attack,” he said.