Coroner IDs Mill Valley Shooting Victim, Suspected Gunman

MILL VALLEY, CA – Marin County Sheriff-Coroner's officials released the identity Friday afternoon of a woman killed Thursday when a man opened fire at a Mill Valley apartment complex in what is believed to have been a landlord-tenant dispute.

The victim was identified as Sabrina Elizabeth Lew, 30, of Mill Valley; the suspected gunman was identified as Victor Aurelino Lugo, 71, also of Mill Valley. Sabrina's father and the landlord of the complex, 84-year-old Leonard Lew, was also shot; he remained hospitalized Friday in an intensive care unit, according to the sheriff's office.

Dispatchers received a 911 call around 3:44 p.m. Thursday from a resident at 939 East Blithedale about a shooting at the complex, according to the sheriff's Office. A deputy arrived within two minutes and found Sabrina and Leonard both suffering from gunshot wounds. They were taken to Marin General Hospital.

Authorities searched the complex and surrounding area for the 71-year-old suspect. Lugo was found dead at 5:50 p.m. Thursday in his apartment from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, sheriff's officials said. A revolver was found at his feet.

Sabrina died at the hospital, while her father spent the night in intensive care, officials said. He is expected to survive.

Detectives believe the motive for the shooting is linked to a landlord-tenant dispute, but they have not yet been able to speak to Leonard because of his condition.

According to sheriff's officials, the victims went to the complex Thursday to talk to Lugo about a pending eviction. An argument ensued before the shooting happened. The revolver found in Lugo's apartment is believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.

The Marin County Coroner's office will determine the cause and manner of death of the woman and suspect.

"A forensic post mortem examination and toxicology testing have been scheduled to be completed in the coming days," said Lt. Steve de la O of the Marin County Sheriff-Coroner's Office. "The cause and manner of death will be pending toxicology results and the conclusion of the investigation. ... No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation."

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Patch local editor Maggie Avants contributed to this report.

Image via Marin County Sheriff's Office