SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - News 8 has learned more about the troubled history of a man accused of killing his mother in Tierrasanta.
Dale Robinson has a long criminal past and his family says he is mentally ill. Now police consider him the prime suspect in the murder of his 78-year-old mother.
Joan Robinson, a mother of four, was killed Sunday night allegedly at the hands of her own son.
"And also that there was some blunt force trauma to a 78-year-old female who was found on the kitchen floor," said Lt. Mike Hastings with the San Diego Police Department.
Police add that her 55-year-son Dale Robinson is a prime suspect.
"We worried about this years and years and we all try to do something about it we called the police when he got violent," explained neighbor Donna Warlick.
It's no secret that friends and family members had long been concerned for Joan's safety, with Dale living in and out of her home. Suffering from schizophrenia, the Tierrasanta man was unpredictable.
"We all were worried about this you just don't think it's ever going to happen," continued Warlick.
Court records show dale had a troubled past.
In 2011, he pleaded guilty to felony battery and driving under the influence of methamphetamine.
In 2002, he was convicted of felony theft.
In 1988, Dale spent three years after setting fire to his parents' Clairemont home while they were on vacation.
But still, Dale's brother says his mom felt compassionate for dale.
On Sunday, the 55-year-old was involved in an accident driving 100 miles an hour.
Recovering at a hospital from a collapsed lung, the murder suspect has not been charged.
An autopsy for Joan Robinson is tentatively scheduled for Thursday. Also Thursday, the Robinson family is expected to release a statement.