California Man Convicted of Murdering Sister and Nephew Over Wi-Fi Router

Prosecutors say William Bushey flew into a rage after his family moved the internet router out of his room, leading to a deadly shooting rampage.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:07am

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A 61-year-old California man has been found guilty of murdering his sister and nephew in a shooting attack, as well as seriously wounding his 86-year-old mother, after he became enraged when his family moved the Wi-Fi router out of his room, cutting off his internet access.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the potential for domestic violence to escalate over seemingly minor disputes, as well as the need for better mental health support and resources for individuals struggling with depression, anger issues, and other challenges.

The details

According to prosecutors, William Bushey flew into a rage after his family moved the Wi-Fi router out of his room, cutting off his internet access. He then grabbed a shotgun that no one knew he had and opened fire, killing his sister Laurie Robinson, 61, and her son Brett Robinson, 33. Bushey also seriously wounded his 86-year-old mother June Bushey, causing her to lose three fingers.

  • The shooting occurred on August 21, 2024.
  • Bushey's sister Laurie had moved in just 9 days prior to the incident.

The players

William Bushey

A 61-year-old California man convicted of murdering his sister and nephew in a shooting rampage after his family moved the Wi-Fi router out of his room.

Laurie Robinson

Bushey's 61-year-old sister who was killed in the shooting.

Brett Robinson

Laurie Robinson's 33-year-old son who was also killed in the shooting.

June Bushey

Bushey's 86-year-old mother who was seriously wounded in the shooting, losing three fingers.

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What they’re saying

“Where's the internet?" asked William Bushey, before he went on his shooting rampage.”

— William Bushey (Times of San Diego)

“I ran like hell!" said June Bushey during Bushey's trial.”

— June Bushey, Bushey's mother (Times of San Diego)

“Sixty years of emotion, anger and resentment [that] exploded into seconds of unthinkable violence,”

— Denis Lainez, Bushey's public defender (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

Bushey is scheduled to be sentenced next month and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for better mental health resources and support for individuals struggling with anger, depression, and other challenges that can lead to devastating acts of domestic violence, even over seemingly minor disputes.