SAN DIEGO—A man who drove a pickup truck off Sunset Cliffs into the ocean with his twin toddlers inside was sentenced to 31 years in state prison on Friday.
Robert Brians, 51, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, kidnapping, and other charges after abducting his twin 2-year-old daughters from his parents’ home on June 13, 2020, and driving off a cliff into the water.
Brians and the girls were hospitalized for injuries sustained in the crash. The girls’ mother mentioned at Brians’ sentencing hearing that the children are now “doing very well” and “thriving.”
She expressed gratitude for Brians taking responsibility for his actions and being prepared to serve his time, stating that this was a step towards healing for all involved.
Before being sentenced, Brians briefly thanked law enforcement and emergency responders for rescuing the children and expressed love for his daughters, saying, “I love my babies and I’m sorry.”
On June 13 around 4:30 a.m., the toddlers’ mother contacted 911 to report that Brians had taken their children without permission.
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During a 2021 preliminary hearing, she testified that Brians had threatened to drive off a cliff with the girls inside in text messages exchanged between them.
She shared that Brians had repeatedly messaged her indicating his intentions to harm the children.
One of the messages he sent read, “The girls are going to Heaven and I’m going to Hell to wait for you.”
San Diego police Detective Aletha Lennier testified that just before driving off the cliff, Brians made a Facebook post stating, “Tonight, I’m sending my babies to Heaven.”
Police were able to track his location to the Sunset Cliffs area, where SDPD Lt. David Bautista witnessed the truck accelerating towards the cliff and into the water, landing upside down.
San Diego Police K-9 Officer Jonathan Wiese, who descended the cliff using a dog leash, found Brians in the water holding both girls. One of the girls was crying and holding onto Brians’ neck, while the other appeared lifeless.
Wiese assisted in bringing Brians and the children to shore, earning recognition for his heroic actions.
As part of the sentencing, a 10-year protective order was imposed by San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Weber to prevent contact between Brians and his children, as well as their mother.
Despite objections from Brians’ defense attorney, Judge Weber emphasized the need for the girls to heal and decide on future contact with their father when they are older.
Judge Weber addressed Brians directly, highlighting the gravity of his actions and expressing shock that he would endanger the lives of his young daughters.
