August 12, 2025 – San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced on July 30 that two convicted murder defendants, Brendan Doyle and Luther Brown, have been sentenced to prison terms for killing 65-year-old Laura Doyle, the mother of defendant Brendan Doyle.

Both defendants were convicted in April 2024 of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Doyle, 36, was also convicted of identity theft and robbery. Doyle was sentenced to 28 years-to-life in prison last August 30. Brown was sentenced July 30 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.”

In 2019, Doyle entered his mother’s home and strangled her until she agreed to write him two checks in the amount of $1,000. He later met Brown and developed a plan to murder his mother to acquire her $1.5 million trust fund.

In October 2020, Ms. Doyle was found dead in her house with no obvious injuries. Neighbors contacted authorities and the District Attorney’s Office saying that if Ms. Doyle was dead, her son should be investigated. A police investigation ensued, and an autopsy was performed. It was determined that Ms. Doyle’s death was the cause of a brutal strangulation resulting 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. Forensic evidence located inside the home, including DNA located on the clothing the victim was wearing at the time of her murder, linked Brown to the crime scene. Brown was a self-proclaimed “contract killer” and bragged to a roommate about killing someone for a friend back in fall of 2020. Brown was arrested in 2021. Search warrants of Brown and Doyle’s electronic devices and social media connected the two defendants. Specifically, communication between the two discussing Ms. Doyle and entry into her home leading up to the murder.

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

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jaimie Thomas and expertly investigated by District Attorney Investigators.

Source: San Diego County District Attorney’s Office