Sung Yee Barr, 64, and her 27-year-old son were attacked and beaten inside their Clairemont home in the early morning hours of May 16, 1989. The son survived his injuries but Mrs. Barr was less fortunate; as a result of the attack she died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries. Robbery appeared to be the motive because the suspect(s) stole a computer and both victims' cars from the residence.

Several days after the murder, police officers in East San Diego arrested a subject named Marco A. Torres, a.k.a. Lobo, (born 5-30-68) driving Mrs. Barr's stolen vehicle. In an interview with detectives, Torres admitted driving the car but denied any participation in the robbery/murder.

The son's car was recovered abandoned on a street in Logan Heights several days after the murder.