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Ty Warner, creator of Beanie Babies after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion in 2013 -- Russell Maxwell Phay mugshot taken in 2018 |
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 4:31 p.m., deputies responded to California mansion of Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner. Russell Maxwell Phay was taken into custody after violently attacking a stranger inside a private residence and barricading himself from deputies. Phay has a mental competency hearing set for June 30.
The initial report was a possible vehicle theft or home invasion robbery in progress at the mansion. The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Russell Maxwell Phay from Nevada. The famously reclusive 80-year-old CEO — who is worth a staggering $6.1 billion, according to Forbes — was home during the alleged home invasion and assault but was not harmed.
Russell Phay’s family said that beginning on May 19 — two days before the alleged assault that left the victim Linda Malek-Aslanian, 60, in a coma — his siblings repeatedly called the state agency in Colorado that oversees parolees and tried to sound the alarm. “We left multiple messages over the course of the week expressing our fear that Russell was spiraling and could harm someone,” the family said in the statement, referring to the Colorado Department of Corrections.
For many years, they said, Phay has experienced severe schizophrenia, a condition that they said transformed him from a kind, loving child into a person who is unstable, at times violent and no longer recognizable. Malek-Aslanian's LinkedIn profile identifies her as a financial services professional from New York but it was not revealed why she was at the mansion.
Russell Phay’s family said that beginning on May 19 — two days before the alleged assault that left the victim Linda Malek-Aslanian, 60, in a coma — his siblings repeatedly called the state agency in Colorado that oversees parolees and tried to sound the alarm. “We left multiple messages over the course of the week expressing our fear that Russell was spiraling and could harm someone,” the family said in the statement, referring to the Colorado Department of Corrections.
For many years, they said, Phay has experienced severe schizophrenia, a condition that they said transformed him from a kind, loving child into a person who is unstable, at times violent and no longer recognizable. Malek-Aslanian's LinkedIn profile identifies her as a financial services professional from New York but it was not revealed why she was at the mansion.
The assailant was featured in a 2014 San Francisco Chronicle column about a specialized court system created for military veterans where he boasted his ability to “eliminate” anyone.
“I am fully trained for combat,” Phay told the Chronicle. “I have been trained to eliminate you. I know that sounds crazy, but it is true.”
Phay has pled not guilty on all charges.
Charges
CPC 459 1st Deg-F- Burglary
CPC 207(a)-F- Kidnapping
CPC 245(a)(4)-F- Assault With Force Likely To Produce Great Bodily Injury
CPC 148(a)(1)-M- Obstruct/Resist/Etc Public/Peace Officer
CPC 12022.7(b)-E- Enhancement -- Great Bodily Injury --Brain Injury/Paralysis
The Law
California Penal Code 1368Penal Code 1368 addresses the mental competency of defendants in criminal cases. It allows a judge to suspend proceedings if there is doubt about a defendant's ability to understand the trial or assist in their defense due to mental incompetence.
Charges
CPC 459 1st Deg-F- Burglary
CPC 207(a)-F- Kidnapping
CPC 245(a)(4)-F- Assault With Force Likely To Produce Great Bodily Injury
CPC 148(a)(1)-M- Obstruct/Resist/Etc Public/Peace Officer
CPC 12022.7(b)-E- Enhancement -- Great Bodily Injury --Brain Injury/Paralysis