Murder trial ordered for man accused of fatally stabbing his mother in Ocean Beach

A man accused of killing his mother, who was stabbed dozens of times in Ocean Beach, was ordered March 26 to stand trial on a murder charge.

Daniel Chase McKibben, 38, also faces special-circumstance allegations of killing Heidi Green, 59, in the commission of torture and robbery, meaning he could face the death penalty if prosecutors decide to pursue it, or life imprisonment without parole.

Green’s body was found May 1, 2019, in a garbage can in the garage of a condominium on Niagara Avenue. The rental property was owned by
Green, a Los Angeles County resident, according to preliminary hearing testimony.

San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Kristie Nikoletich said Green had more than 45 stab wounds, mostly to her face and neck.

McKibben, allegedly while armed with a knife, was shot by La Mesa police the day after Green’s body was discovered, then taken into custody. He remains in custody without bail.

In text messages sent shortly before Green’s death and read in court, McKibben expressed anger with his mother and feeling controlled by her.

Nikoletich contended the killing was committed out of “revenge” related to unspecified issues stemming from McKibben’s childhood.

“In his mind, he had an epiphany that his childhood wasn’t that great and he texted her that, that he realized it was really messed up ... and we don’t know what exactly what he was referring to, but he had those emotions,” the prosecutor said.

She also alleged McKibben stole Green’s jewelry, purse, wallet, credit cards, watch and other items, many of which were never recovered.

In addition to murder, McKibben is charged with resisting arrest with use of force, exhibiting a weapon to resist arrest and possession of fentanyl for sale and transportation.