LAWFUEL – The Lawyer Newswire – Timothy MacNeil’s career as a lawyer in San Diego County spanned 38 years. He handled family and criminal cases, everything from divorce to murder. A likable guy who worked hard for his clients, MacNeil was looking forward to retirement.
When friends and family members learned MacNeil, 63, had been shot and killed in a botched robbery at his Rolando home July 19, they grieved for a man who seemed to be touched by tragedy.
His death came 13 months after his second wife had killed herself.
But the news grew worse as the day wore on.
Police and relatives quickly began to piece together a chilling scenario after MacNeil’s stepdaughter made some alarming statements. Within hours, his two stepchildren were accused of the slaying.
“It’s been a nightmare,” said his sister-in-law, Bonnie MacNeil.
Brae Hansen, 18, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. Nathaniel Gann, 20, is awaiting extradition from Phoenix, and is scheduled to be formally charged this week. Both are being held without bail.
Police say the pair killed their stepfather for his money. The details are laid out in a six-page arrest warrant for Nathaniel.
