Key Takeaways:
- Tatyana Natasha Remley, a 44-year-old woman from La Jolla, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Little Italy, San Diego.
- Remley had a history of run-ins with the law, including a guilty plea for solicitation of murder and a charge of felony arson.
- She had been sentenced to three years and eight months in state prison but served only one year.
- Remley’s death occurred just 10 days after her 44th birthday, and she had posted a video on Instagram about overcoming obstacles and loving oneself.
- The incident highlights the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles, with resources such as the 988 mental health crisis hotline and the Crisis Text Line available for those in need.
Introduction to the Incident
A La Jolla woman, Tatyana Natasha Remley, who had previously pleaded guilty to trying to pay an undercover detective $2 million to kill her husband, was found dead last week, authorities said. Remley, 44, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on December 18, according to the San Diego medical examiner’s office. Her body was found outside a bar in the heart of Little Italy, on 523 W. Date St. in San Diego. Witnesses reported that Remley’s body was found outside the bar, and police responded to the scene, covering her body with a yellow tarp.
Eyewitness Account
David Ohara, an eyewitness to the incident, later described what he saw on social media. "I just witnessed a suicide," Ohara wrote. "The young lady shot one time in the air and then turned the gun on herself." This account provides a glimpse into the tragic events that unfolded, highlighting the shocking and disturbing nature of the incident. The fact that Remley shot herself in public, in a crowded area, adds to the complexity of the situation, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to her death.
Remley’s History with the Law
Court records show that Remley had two significant run-ins with the law, one dating back to 2023 and another in September of this year. On July 11, 2023, Remley filed for divorce from her estranged husband, Mark Remley, who was 57 years old at the time. The couple, who married in 2011, produced an equine-human acrobatics show called "Valitar." However, the show was canceled due to poor ticket sales and artistic differences with some of the performers. This marked the beginning of a series of troubles for the couple, including financial and personal issues that would eventually lead to Remley’s arrest and conviction.
The Couple’s Financial Situation
Despite the cancellation of their show, court records revealed that the couple was well off, owning six homes at one point. According to the Union-Tribune, Mark Remley bought his then-wife a $218,000 engagement ring. However, signs of trouble emerged even before the divorce was filed. On July 2, 2023, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a fire at the couple’s $5-million home in the 4600 block of Rancho Reposo. Remley, who was home at the time authorities arrived, had three guns and ammunition in her possession, according to deputies. She was arrested that day on suspicion of firearm-related offenses.
Arson Charge and Solicitation of Murder
The cause of the fire was unknown at the time, but in September of this year, Remley was charged with felony arson. She was accused of setting fire to a structure and forest land. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was set to appear in court on March 3, 2026. However, the following day, deputies received a tip that she was looking to hire a hit man to kill her husband, according to a previous report. Remley met up with an undercover sheriff’s detective to hash out the plan on August 2. She provided detailed information on how she wanted her husband killed and his body disposed of, and brought three additional firearms and U.S. currency as a down payment for the murder. Remley allegedly offered $2 million in exchange for the slaying, authorities said.
Guilty Plea and Sentence
In December 2023, Remley pleaded guilty to solicitation of murder and was sentenced to three years and eight months in state prison. She served only one year of her sentence, according to ABC 10 News San Diego. This sentence and her subsequent release from prison raise questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing the underlying issues that led to her actions. The fact that Remley was able to serve only a fraction of her sentence and was still struggling with mental health issues highlights the need for more comprehensive support and resources for individuals dealing with similar challenges.
Final Days and Mental Health
In a final post to her Instagram account in October, Remley spoke about overcoming obstacles. "I want to talk about how beautiful life is," Remley said in the video. "Love yourself no matter what someone does to you. No matter how hurt you get." Remley celebrated her 44th birthday just 10 days before her death, and her social media post suggests that she was struggling to come to terms with her past and find a way forward. The incident highlights the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles, with resources such as the 988 mental health crisis hotline and the Crisis Text Line available for those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is essential to reach out to a professional or call 988 to connect with trained mental health counselors.
