California police investigate apparent murder-suicide in Santa Monica

Authorities in Los Angeles County are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving a married couple. The Santa Monica Police Department responded to a residence on the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard on Saturday, September 26, following a request for a welfare check.

Officers discovered the bodies of a man and a woman at the scene. Detectives believe the husband fatally shot his wife around 6:42 a.m. before taking his own life shortly thereafter. A firearm was recovered by police at the location.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending formal identification by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and notification of next of kin. Officials stated that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators have not yet confirmed if there was a history of domestic violence or prior police calls to the residence.