Woman dressed as ‘Grim Reaper’ stabs victim; leaps from balcony to escape

VISTA, Calif. — A California woman was stabbed in the back and hand inside her apartment early Friday by a woman who wore a Grim Reaper mask and escaped by jumping off a second-story balcony, authorities said.

KSWB reportsthat the stabbing at 1904 Thibodo Road was reported at 1:50 a.m., said San Diego County sheriff’s Night Sergeant Dwain Washington.

The victim told deputies her attacker was someone dressed as the grim reaper.

“She didn’t see the suspect’s face, but she did hear the suspect’s voice and it sounded like a female,” said Sgt. Washington.

The suspect ran from the apartment by jumping off a second story balcony. Deputies set up a perimeter around the unit and complex.

“We had assistance from K-9, San Marcos units, but we were not successful,” said Washington.

“It could have been us, I have a one year old,” said MacKenzie Nieblas, resident.

The Nieblas family lives two doors down from where the attack happened.

“It’s the second time and it’s been about a week and half,” said Tracy Nieblas, resident.

Mother and daughter told KSBW of another stabbing from October 22nd during a fight near a dumpster.

“The helicopters were flying around searching and they never found him,” said Nieblas.

The attacks have them and other residents who live in the gated community questioning its safety.

“It’s an expensive complex, you’re hoping they keep it maintained and locked,” said Tracy.

“You see these gates around here?” said Emmett Corbin, resident. “That’s one of the biggest reasons we moved here to feel safe. It’s very concerning.”

It has them so concerned, they’re even thinking no tricks or treats for Halloween.

“I’m not going to be in this complex all day, I’m not even going to risk it,” said MacKenzie.

“It’s sad. Kind of ruins the holiday,” said Tracy.

“It’s a big deal, this is really a big deal. If law enforcement is listening right now, I expect them to catch this guy,” said Corbin.

Paramedics took the victim to Palomar Medical Center to treat non-life threatening wounds.