US EditionSuspect Arrested, Woman in Coma After Break-in at Beanie Babies Tycoon’s California Mansion
- A violent break-in occurred on May 21, 2025, at Ty Warner's Montecito, California, home, leaving a woman comatose and the suspect in custody.
- The break-in followed a 911 report of a home invasion or possible vehicle theft, and the suspect barricaded himself inside before deputies intervened.
- Deputies found the injured woman, identified as 60-year-old financial expert Linda Malek-Aslanian, and apprehended 43-year-old Russell Maxwell Phay from Nevada after he fled a window.
- Phay faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder with premeditation, residential burglary with someone present, kidnapping, and assault causing significant bodily harm that led to Malek-Aslanian falling into a coma; his bail has been set at $1 million.
- The investigation continues as authorities note Phay likely did not know Warner, who was home during the incident, and the suspect has a prior violent criminal record with unsatisfactory parole performance.
84 Articles
84 Articles
Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office reacts to violent home invasion at Ty Warner estate | News Channel 3-12
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— The attack happened Wednesday, May 21st around 4:30 pm at Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner's mansion on Fairway Road. Forty two year old Russell Maxwell Phay was arrested after authorities say he jumped from a second-floor window. Officers found Linda Malek-Aslanian severely beaten. She ended up in a coma due to a brain injury, which factored into the charges against Phay. “My heart goes out to the victim and for the victi…
Suspect In Assault at Beanie Babies Billionaire's Mansion Was In Court In SF a Decade Ago
The man accused of breaking into the Montecito mansion owned by Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner last week and assaulting a woman, putting her in a coma, was living in San Francisco a decade ago after reportedly threatening his wife.42-year-old Russell Phay is now in custody and stands accused of possibly his most violent act to date, but family members say that Phay is schizophrenic and has exhibited violent tendencies for years. Phay allege…
Beanie Babies Founder Unharmed After Home Invasion That Left Woman in a Coma: Police
A woman is in a coma and a Nevada man faces attempted murder charges after allegedly breaking into Ty Warner's Montecito mansion and attacking her, while the Beanie Babies founder escaped unharmed.
Woman in Coma After Violent Burglary at Toy Tycoon’s Home in California
A Nevada man faces an attempted first-degree murder charge after a violent break-in left a woman in a coma at the coastal California estate of a billionaire toy magnate, Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch announced May 23. Savrnoch reported he had filed charges against Russell Maxwell Phay, 42, of Henderson, Nevada. Phay is charged with attempted first-degree murder with premeditation and deliberation, residential burglary with…
LA Daily News
Daily BulletinWoman in coma after violent break-in at California home of Beanie Babies billionaire
A Nevada man was arrested after a woman was violently attacked during a break-in at a Montecito mansion owned by the Beanie Babies creator Ty Warner.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
