Four years after a man drove over a cliff with his twin daughters in his car, the dad has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the crime. Robert Brians, 51, was reportedly angry with his wife, Jenna Brians, and threatened to kill himself and their 2-year-old daughters, Aubrey and Hailey. Jenna Brians called the San Diego Sheriff’s Department to report her husband and plead for help.
The incident occurred on June 13, 2020. Brians drove his pickup truck off Sunset Cliffs in San Diego in what police called an attempted murder-suicide. The father and both children survived. Thankfully, the girls are OK, but their dad could spend decades in prison.
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The children were reportedly taken without permission.
According to a GoFundMe account, the children were at a relative’s home to see their father for a planned visit on June 12, 2020.
“In the early hours the following morning they were taken with out permission by their father. Jenna received numerous calls and texts from him clearly stating she may not see her kids again,” the GoFundMe page explains.
The frantic mother called police early in the morning.
Jenna Brians called the police around 4:30 a.m., to inform them of her husband’s threat, NBC 7 reported in 2020. Police found the suspect’s vehicle about 20 minutes later in the 4400 block of Hill Street. Police did not pursue the vehicle, but shortly after, Robert Brians drove over the cliff into the water.
Both children and their father were taken to an area hospital for treatment. The father and one child had minor injuries. The other twin was in critical condition. All three were treated and ultimately released.
Per the GoFundMe page, the girls are OK.
In a 2020 update, Colin Moore shared that the girls were improving.
“As of mid June the girls have been in stable condition and are getting better every day. At this time family is asking for privacy and is incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed,” the update read. “Please know all donations will be going into a trust that is being established for the girls and their futures. Again thank you so much to all the first responders as you truly are life savers.”
The father reportedly made terrifying threats.
Court documents show Robert Brians allegedly sent messages to his wife prior to driving off the cliff, according to NBC 7.
“The girls are going to Heaven and I’m going to Hell to wait for you,” he wrote in one message.
And in a Facebook post, he wrote, “Tonight, I’m sending my babies to Heaven.”
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The father pleaded guilty.
The San Diego Tribune reported last week that Brians pleaded guilty in court to charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. He will be sentenced next month to 31 years in state jail. It was unclear if he will be eligible for parole or a reduced sentence.
Jenna Brians shared a message of gratitude on Facebook, writing, “Always thankful for these men and woman who saved my babies. It is finally over. After my ex husband took 31 years and admitted to all he did. Thank god!!! We won the war!!! I look forward to seeing all the amazing first responders who saved the girls. Thank you again for everyone’s continuous support over the years!!!”
