On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Vista Patrol Station responded to the 2100 block of Riviera Drive in unincorporated Vista, in reference to a battery. Upon their arrival, they discovered an adult female victim with traumatic injuries. Medical aid was provided, and the victim was transported to a local hospital by paramedics. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to her injuries the following day and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The victim has been identified as 80-year-old Linda Johnson of Arizona.
Deputies arrested the suspect at the location of the crime. The suspect was identified as 55-year-old Tad Johnson, a resident of Vista and a relative of the decedent. Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are conducting an investigation, interviewing witnesses, and gathering more evidence. At this stage, the motivation and circumstances of the crime are still under investigation. Based on information gathered so far, this appears to be an isolated incident. There are no outstanding suspects and no apparent danger to the community.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
