San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.comFather shoots son to save wife from attack in Rancho Santa Fe

Father shoots son to save wife from attack in Rancho Santa Fe

A man shot his adult son with a shotgun after the son broke into his parents' Rancho Santa Fe home and choked his mother, a sheriff's deputy said today.

Deputies were called to a home in the 17000 block of Via Recanto around 6:30 p.m. Monday, San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Julie Sutton said.  

Detectives say Tom Blackmore had only been out of the County's Mental Health facility a few hours - when he showed up at his parents Rancho Santa Fe home.

"He was here unannounced, his mother opened the door, he assaulted her and there was a struggle that ensued. The father got a gun and shot his son," San Diego Sheriff's Homicide Division Lt. Dennis Brugos said.

Allen Blackmore immediately administered first aid to his son while his wife called 911. Tom Blackmore was flown to Scripps La Jolla, where he died early Tuesday morning.

"Apparently there's been a strained relationship with Mr. Blackmore and his parents, probably due in part because within the last week Mr. Blackmore was hospitalized concerning mental stability," Lt. Brugos said.

Detectives say Blackmore recently tried to commit suicide, but was saved by sheriff's deputies. As for why he showed up at his parents' house Monday night, detectives aren't sure but they say the evidence points to trouble.

"They also found a two-gallon container of gasoline by the door and the car was a quarter mile from here, so he hiked in with the two-gallon container of gasoline," Lt. Brugos said.

Detectives say Tom Blackmore had a history of alcohol abuse and had been in and out rehab multiple times. The 40-year-old was also a successful commercial real estate agent, husband and father.

His mom Maureen was not seriously injured in the assault. It was uncertain if Allen Blackmore would face charges.