Prior to being shot by his police captain father, a former SDSU football player hit his mother and choked her until she passed out, according to prosecutors.
Reginald Grigsby Jr., 25, pleaded not guilty to all charges Thursday at a hearing in which the judge called him a "danger." He faces 14 years in prison if he's convicted on all charges.
Charges could still be filed against his father, according to prosecutors, who also said, however, that the shooting may be a case of self-defense. Several family members, including the father were in court but declined to comment.
Prosecutors believe Grigsby Jr. went to his parents' Fallbrook home on Dallas Road just after midnight on Saturday. He got into an argument with his mother, Desirah Grigsby, and then turned violent, according to Lt. Dennis Brugos.
“The father came to the aid of his wife, however, he was unable to stop the attack,” he said.
Investigators said Grigsby then shot his son and called the sheriff's department to report the shooting.
The younger Grigsby has a history of mental problems, authorities said.
According to San Diego State University's Web site, the younger Grigsby started his college football career in 2003 and was a starting safety in 2005. He attended El Camino High, where he was a standout player.
Lon Sheriff, a former San Diego State quarterback, played football with Grigsby Jr. and said he was stunned by the news.
“Mild-mannered guy, nice, likeable guy, easygoing kind of guy," Sheriff said. "In my opinion, he was an all-around solid kid. Solid on the field -- solid on and off."
Grigsby Jr's SDSU profile also listed him as a criminal justice major.
Grigsby Jr. is being held on $1 million bail.
