Lucero family home in Valley Center

David Leroy Lucero

After a court hearing on September 19, it was concluded that 29-year-old David Leroy Lucero, arrested on suspicion of killing his mother more than four years ago, should be confined to a psychiatric hospital.

“The Office of the Public Conservator’s investigation concluded that Lucero is a gravely disabled person who represents a substantial danger of physical harm to others,” according to a statement by prosecutor Patrick Espinoza. “Consequently, the Office of the Public Conservator recommended the establishment of a Murphy conservatorship for David Lucero. They are recommending that he be confined and psychiatrically treated at a state hospital.”

Lucero was taken into custody on March 10, 2010. His mother, Margo Jean Lucero, 53, was found dead in her bed, with stab wounds to her left shoulder and chest, the day before her son was arrested. David Lucero reportedly fled to Arizona in his mother’s Mercedes and was declared a fugitive after his mother’s body was found in their home overlooking Valley Center.

Family members reportedly told investigators that Margo Lucero had become afraid of her then-25-year-old son and locked her bedroom door at night. That door appeared damaged, as if it had been forced open, investigators later revealed.

Margo had phoned for help the prior evening, on March 8, but responding officers had declined to take away the young man, as the woman requested, because they questioned him and did not conclude that he was a risk at that time.

David M. Lucero, husband of Margo and father of David, reportedly told deputies that their son was mentally ill and had stopped taking his prescription medications. David M. Lucero, is a medical doctor.

David Leroy Lucero is next scheduled for a hearing on September 30, to “finalize the establishment of a Murphy Conservatorship,” according to prosecutor Espinoza.