Wednesday, December 28, 2011

San Diego, CA: 10News: Shooting victim feared ex's drug use

Debra Meltzer, who was shot to death Friday night in Alpine, feared for the safety of her two children with ex-husband Justin Meltzer, according to divorce documents obtained Tuesday by 10News.

Justin Meltzer was arrested Friday night on suspicion of murder following a SWAT standoff at a home they once shared on Larkspur Drive. He was shot in the leg and remained in a hospital Tuesday.

Debra Meltzer, 40, was found dead after SWAT members entered the home in an attempt to rescue her. She died of multiple gunshot wounds, the county Medical Examiner’s Office said.

The Meltzers had a troubled marriage since 2007, had attempts at reconciliation and eventually divorced, 10News reported Tuesday.

The court records show Justin Meltzer was injured while working as a labor foreman at an Oceanside construction firm, and that he took prescription medicine for back pain and was unable to work. In a document filed in July 2011, Debra Meltzer said that his drug usage put their two young sons in danger when they were in his care.

Doug Diaz of El Cajon, a longtime family friend of Debra Meltzer, told the Union-Tribune on Friday night that she had financially supported the family in her work as a nurse, and that she had become increasingly concerned about what she described as her ex-husband’s bizarre drug-induced behavior.

Debra Meltzer had taken the couple’s two young sons to the house to see their father Friday, Diaz said. He said the boys were at a neighbor’s home during the standoff.

Justin Meltzer was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday, possibly from his hospital bed, the District Attorney’s Office told 10News.

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