BREAKING NEWS: Manhattan Beach man charged with trying to kill parents
A 19-year-old Manhattan Beach man was charged today with trying to kill his parents with a butcher knife in their bed.
Robert F. MacDonald allegedly stabbed his 52-year-old father and 51-year-old mother multiple times at the family home in the 2900 block of Poinsettia Avenue about 11:20 p.m. Thursday, authorities said.
The father struggled with the son and subdued him to prevent further attack, Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Brian Brown said.
Police arrived and arrested him.
The parents, Robert and Margaret, were taken to hospitals for treatment. The father has been released, but the mother remains hospitalized. She is expected to recover.
A 17-year-old sister in the home was not hurt.
The motive for the attack was not known.
MacDonald was charged with two counts of attempted murder with the allegation it was premeditated, deliberate and willful, Deputy District Attorney Jodi Link said.
MacDonald also is charged with two special allegations: Using a butcher knife and causing great bodily injury.
If convicted, he could face two life terms in prison plus eight years.
MacDonald was scheduled to appear for arraignment this afternoon in Torrance court.
Bail was set at $1.26 million.
Robert F. MacDonald allegedly stabbed his 52-year-old father and 51-year-old mother multiple times at the family home in the 2900 block of Poinsettia Avenue about 11:20 p.m. Thursday, authorities said.
The father struggled with the son and subdued him to prevent further attack, Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Brian Brown said.
Police arrived and arrested him.
The parents, Robert and Margaret, were taken to hospitals for treatment. The father has been released, but the mother remains hospitalized. She is expected to recover.
A 17-year-old sister in the home was not hurt.
The motive for the attack was not known.
MacDonald was charged with two counts of attempted murder with the allegation it was premeditated, deliberate and willful, Deputy District Attorney Jodi Link said.
MacDonald also is charged with two special allegations: Using a butcher knife and causing great bodily injury.
If convicted, he could face two life terms in prison plus eight years.
MacDonald was scheduled to appear for arraignment this afternoon in Torrance court.
Bail was set at $1.26 million.
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About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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took you long enough to get this story out :)
I just heard about this, i lived with him freshman year of college...! cant believe this wow
i went to high school with this kid, wow
what a nut job...parents dont deserve this no matter what mentally unstable or not he should be found guilty and man up and take responsiblity for his actions.i cant believe i went to school with a kid thats capable of this type of crime.
i was so shocked to read of the attack on rob mcdonald and his wife by their son. Thank god they survived. What horror. I was a colleague of Rob in magazine publishing in England during the 80s & 90s
I have played soccer with both Robbie Sr. and Jr. for years and could have never of come up with such a tragic story. Regardless of guilt, this event has changed their lives, every single one of them.... forever. Take a quick second out of your day and pray for their family.
Any recent updates on this story?