On Thursday, May 28, 2026, deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a deceased individual at a residence in the 1600 block of Citrus Hills Lane in Unincorporated Escondido. Deputies arrived and confirmed the individual was deceased. No obvious signs of trauma were observed at the scene. The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and took custody of the decedent. Due to suspicious circumstances, the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as 78-year-old Marytrese Comer, a resident of Unincorporated Escondido.
On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office arrested 43-year-old Christopher Ryan Trudell in connection with the murder of his stepmother, Mrs. Comer. He was booked into the San Diego Central Jail on a charge of murder.
Mr. Trudell is being held without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the North County Superior Court.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
Further details regarding this investigation will be released as they become available. The case remains active, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330, or after hours at (858) 868-3200. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Media Contact: Juan Marquez, Lieutenant
juan.marquez@sdsheriff.org
Homicide Unit: 858-285-6330
