DA Summer Stephan

09/03/2026

Remembering those we’ve lost. Recommitting to saving lives.

In this week’s DA News, DA Summer Stephan reflects on International Overdose Awareness Day and San Diego County’s continued work to prevent overdose deaths.

While overdose deaths have declined 36% since 2021, the crisis is changing. Methamphetamine is now involved in more overdose deaths than fentanyl in San Diego County, underscoring the need for continued prevention, treatment, education and targeted intervention.

Watch this week’s DA News to hear DA Stephan’s message from the remembrance event and learn more about San Diego County’s ongoing overdose prevention efforts.

We remember. We learn. We act. We save lives.💜

09/03/2026

"It was the privilege of a lifetime to be her mother.”

Today, at Yolanda Marodi’s sentencing, Lorena Marodi shared a powerful victim impact statement honoring her daughter, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi.

Lorena spoke about the devastating loss of her daughter and the lasting impact Rebecca’s death has had on her family and loved ones.

Rebecca dedicated more than 30 years of her life to serving others as a firefighter and captain. Her life was one of service, compassion and courage — a legacy her family will carry forward.

Yolanda Marodi was sentenced today to 36 years to life in state prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

We honor Rebecca’s memory and stand with her family as they continue to grieve an unimaginable loss.

Read the full story at DANewsCenter.com: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10434

Watch her full impact statement on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/c03pHjt5oW8

09/01/2026

08/28/2026

18 years later, justice was served.

A San Diego County jury convicted Jeffrey Roberson of first-degree murder for the 2008 killing of Cecil Zachary Jr., a military veteran with paraplegia who was beaten to death with a wooden log in his Oceanside home. The jury also found true the allegation that Roberson used a deadly weapon in the commission of the murder.

For more than 17 years, Cecil’s case remained unsolved. Advances in forensic DNA technology ultimately helped investigators develop critical evidence linking Roberson to the killing. He was arrested in February 2025.

“This conviction brings justice and accountability for Cecil, who was a veteran with paraplegia, and his family,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “This case demonstrates the importance of never giving up on a homicide investigation.”

We are grateful to the Oceanside Police Department investigators and our Cold Case Homicide Unit, especially Deputy District Attorney John Philpott, for their perseverance and commitment to pursuing justice for Cecil and his loved ones.

Cold cases are never forgotten. Justice has no expiration date.
Advances in technology can uncover new evidence and help bring long-awaited justice to victims and their families.

👉 Read the full story on DA News Center: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10430
EN ESPAÑOL: https://danewscenter.com/?p=10425

08/24/2026

It was a pleasure for District Attorney DA Summer Stephan to join the Bridge Church last week, for a community conversation focused on public safety, fraud prevention and resources available to our community.

DA Stephan especially enjoyed connecting with the church’s primarily Spanish-speaking members, answering questions and sharing information about the role of the District Attorney’s Office in keeping our communities safe.

The conversation included important tips to help protect against fraud, including elder scams and immigration fraud, as well as information about resources available through the DA’s Office and our community partners.

Thank you to the Bridge Church for welcoming DA Stephan and for creating an opportunity to connect, listen and share information that helps keep our community informed and protected.

Want the DA’s Office at your community event? Learn more at SanDiegoDA.gov.

08/21/2026

This week on DA News, DA Summer Stephan discusses the sentencing of a man who groped women at a popular Carlsbad hiking trail. She also highlights the recognition of One Safe Place: San Diego County Family Justice Centers Victim Advocate and Human Trafficking Director Marjorie Saylor for her outstanding work helping victims.

08/19/2026

This morning, DA Summer Stephan joined FOX 5 San Diego to discuss the Junior DA Academy - the summer program hosted by the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to give high school students an inside look into the criminal justice system. And it already is having an impact!

08/18/2026

Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects everyone and it is everywhere—including around major events that draw large crowds. Victims are hiding in plain sight in our own communities.

Human trafficking is considered by many to be a form of modern-day slavery where perpetrators exploit human beings for profit. Traffickers treat victims as their property. There are two kinds of human trafficking: s*x and labor. Both are a violation of basic human rights, and both are crimes under U.S. federal law and California state law.

DA Summer Stephan recently met with the San Diego Convention Center Executive Staff to discuss the realities of human trafficking, how traffickers exploit major events, and the importance of recognizing the signs and reporting suspicious activity.

The discussion also highlighted the recent human trafficking operation conducted by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force around Comic-Con, reinforcing the importance of strong partnerships and community awareness in the fight against trafficking.

Together, we can help protect vulnerable people and make San Diego a safer place for everyone. To learn more about how to stop human trafficking visit our website: http://sdcda.org/preventing/human-trafficking/

08/17/2026

What does it take to become a prosecutor, investigator or advocate for victims?

Local high school students got a firsthand look at the answer through the San Diego County District Attorney’s Junior DA Academy. The multi-day program gives students a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal justice system. Here’s a look at their experience.

08/13/2026

As students head back to school, DA Summer Stephan shares important safety tips for parents and students—from thinking twice before posting those popular “first day of school” photos to protecting children’s privacy and safety online. 📱🎒

Remember: less information is better. Avoid sharing details like your child’s school, classroom, teacher, schedule or location that could put their safety at risk.

DA Stephan also highlights the P3 Tips app, where anyone can anonymously report suspicious activity or concerns at a school.

Watch this week’s DA Weekly News for back-to-school safety tips and help keep our children safe online and at school.