A man found dead inside his Flinn Springs home was bludgeoned to death while lying in a hospital bed, prosecutors said in court Tuesday.
Bren Fisher, 64, was found dead Jan. 7 in his home on Bridon Road, north of Interstate 8 near the Harbison Canyon/ Dunbar Lane exit. The medical examiner said Fisher died of blunt force trauma that resulted in a skull fracture among other injuries.
Rory Patrick Fay, 31, was arrested one week later on allegations of murder.
When facing an El Cajon judge Tuesday, Fay pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutor Andrew Aguilar said Fisher was asleep in a hospital bed when he was bludgeoned to death. Fisher had recently begun using the hospital bed because of illness, Aguilar said.
Also, items stolen from Fisher's home allegedly led police to Fay.
Fay and Fisher lived in the same neighborhood but prosecutors have not released a motive in the killing.
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Fay was convicted in 2013 for two years for possession of a firearm while in possession of drugs. The county's fugitive task force arrested him on a warrant related to his parole.
Fay was held on $1 million bail. His next court appearance was slated for January 29.
One of the victim’s friends told NBC 7 Fisher was a wonderful man who enjoyed playing guitar. Neighbors said he would often wave to them as he drove by in his truck in the rural area.
Anyone with information can call investigators at (858) 974-2321 or after hours at (858) 565-5200.
