Two men sentenced to prison in strangulation death of 65-year-old woman

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Two men were sentenced to prison Wednesday for the killing of one of the convicted defendant's mother.

Brendan Doyle, 36, and Luther Brown are responsible in 65-year-old Laura Doyle's death, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a news release.

In April 2024, both defendants were convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Brendan, who was also convicted of identity theft and robbery, was sentenced to 28 years-to-life in prison, while Brown was sentenced to 55 years-to-life in prison.

“This is a disturbing and despicable case of murder of one’s own mother for financial gain,” DA Stephan said. “The dedicated team from our Elder Abuse Unit came together to hold these defendants accountable and deliver justice for the victim. It continues to be a priority for us to fight elder abuse in all its forms and support seniors who become victims of everything from online scams to the most serious violent acts.”

The DA claims Brendan entered his mother's home in 2019 and strangled her until she agreed to write him two checks in the amount of $1,000. Then, Brendan and Brown later developed a plan to murder his mother to acquire her $1.5 million trust fund, according to the prosecutors.

In October 2020, Laura was found dead in her home with no obvious injuries, but neighbors contacted authorities to investigate her son.

An autopsy revealed that Laura's death was the cause of a brutal strangulation that resulted in multiple fractures.

"After the victim’s death, her son took her credit card and went on a shopping spree, spending more than $11,000. He was arrested in November 2020," the DA said.

DNA located on the clothing of the victim linked Brown to the crime scene, according to prosecutors. He was later arrested in 2021.

Brendan continues to litigate disbursement of his mother’s trust in probate court.