Murder-Suicide Investigation Continues In Yucaipa

YUCAIPA, CA — Two Yucaipa residents — men both in their 60s — are dead following a suspected murder/suicide.

Just after 12 noon on April 8, authorities responded to a call for medical aid in the 12000 block of Bryant Street and discovered Stephan James Slivka Jr., 66, and Rodney (Rody) Lee Chanadet, 68. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The neighborhood where they were discovered is residential; it's unclear whether one or both of the men lived there.

Detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department believe Slivka and Chanadet struck each other with gunfire. Slivka died, and Chanadet then shot himself, according to the sheriff's department.

It's unclear why the two men allegedly fired at each other or what their relationship, if any, was.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the sheriff's homicide detail at 909-890-4904.

If you are struggling or know someone who is, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The hotline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.