Fallbrook stabbing location
A sheriff’s cruiser outside the motel in Fallbrook. Gilberto Gonzalez/SoCal News Outlet

A bloodied suspect was taken into custody Friday in connection with a fatal stabbing at a motel in Fallbrook.

San Diego Sheriff‘s deputies responded at 4:30 p.m. Friday to the Econo Lodge at 1601 South Mission Road, and when they arrived found the victim dead from stab wounds.

Lt. Joseph Jarjura said a witness told deputies a potential suspect ran from the scene with blood on his clothing and provided deputies with a description. The deputies began searching the area and set up a perimeter.

A short time later, a neighbor reported a suspicious person in their yard, and after a foot pursuit deputies were able to safely detain the suspect, Brian Francis Zielinski, 35. 

They booked Zielinski into San Diego Central Jail on a murder charge, Jarjura said

The victim’s name has yet to be confirmed, authorities said.

Anyone with information about this incident was asked to call the department’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or after hours at 858-565-5200. Anonymous callers may call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

City News Service and SoCal News Outlet contributed to this article.

Updated 6 p.m. Feb. 10, 2024

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.