“Berkeley Stabbing Attack: Diana L. Paxson and Ian Grey Among Victims in Violent Incident at Greyhaven Home”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A comprehensive account has emerged regarding the stabbing incidents that occurred at a Berkeley residence earlier this month, resulting in two individuals being admitted to Highland Hospital. According to the Berkeley police, Byron DeCles, a 21-year-old suspect, attacked three elderly relatives on December 8th, marking the culmination of a series of violent events at the residence known as Greyhaven since July. DeCles has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include two counts of attempted murder. The victims of the attack include Diana L. Paxson, a renowned fantasy author, and her adult son, Ian Grey, both of whom have returned home to recover from their injuries.

Court records reviewed by The Berkeley Scanner this week revealed that DeCles had previously resided in the El Camino Real home near The Uplands until approximately a year ago when his family expelled him. On the day of the incident, DeCles was observed peering inside the house, likely surveying the premises, according to the police. At around 6:30 p.m., he forcefully entered the home by hurling a small brick through a window near the front door. DeCles then reached inside and unlocked the deadbolt and security chain. Paxson, aged 80, confronted DeCles as he advanced towards her 55-year-old son, Ian Grey, and promptly dialed 911. Meanwhile, Grey rushed to aid his mother but was stabbed by DeCles in the temple, neck, and shoulder blade. The police report indicates that DeCles dropped the knife and proceeded towards the front door, where he seized a 4×4 post previously utilized to secure the entrance. He hurled the post at Grey, striking his arm, before fleeing the scene. During his escape, DeCles struck a 71-year-old woman, another relative, in the face. He then ascended the nearby Oakridge Steps and managed to evade capture. Remarkably, DeCles had been inside the house for less than a minute, as revealed by surveillance footage.

It took several days for law enforcement to locate DeCles. Initially, the Berkeley Police Department suspected that he might have sought refuge with his girlfriend, with whom he shares two children, but this lead turned out to be fruitless. On December 11th, DeCles made an attempt to break into Greyhaven once again, this time intending to steal car keys. However, he fled when his plan failed. Ultimately, Berkeley detectives issued a wanted flier to other law enforcement agencies, identifying DeCles as the suspect. On December 12th, two Oakland police officers spotted him walking on Telegraph Avenue in the 500 block of 22nd Street, shortly before 3 a.m. DeCles was arrested after a brief foot pursuit, during which the officers discovered a fixed-blade knife in his possession. When questioned by police, DeCles immediately requested legal representation.

Diana Paxson spoke to The Scanner last week, shedding light on her troubled relationship with DeCles that began roughly a year ago. She vaguely referenced a series of difficulties with him, potentially stemming from untreated head injuries and psychiatric issues necessitating medication. According to fanlore.org, Greyhaven is renowned as a hub for science fiction and fantasy writers, as well as a venue for numerous social and literary events. Paxson has resided in the home since 1971, often sharing it with extended family members and individuals from her literary circle. A neighbor informed The Scanner that there used to be frequent and raucous gatherings at Greyhaven, accompanied by considerable shouting and screaming in recent months.

Police records indicate that two prior violent incidents occurred at Greyhaven before December 8th. On July 30th, DeCles allegedly slapped and punched Grey in the head following a verbal dispute. Three months later, on October 29th, he assaulted his cousin, inflicting a small laceration requiring eight staples and causing a contusion to their eye. Although DeCles was identified as the perpetrator, he managed to elude authorities at that time. Presently, DeCles faces charges of two counts of attempted murder in connection with the attacks on Paxson and Grey, as well as misdemeanor elder abuse pertaining to the 71-year-old woman. Additionally, he has been charged with felony assault likely to cause significant bodily harm with regard to the alleged assault on his 23-year-old cousin, who also resides in Berkeley. Public records indicate that DeCles has also been charged with misdemeanor battery relating to the July 30th attack on Grey. As of this week, DeCles remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail, with bail set at $500,000. A preliminary hearing for his case is scheduled for January 31st.

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