Novato Couple's Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide: Police

NOVATO, CA – The deaths of a husband and wife in Novato have been ruled a murder-suicide, authorities reported. Jacqueline Reales-Gallegos, 31, and Jose Reales, 29, were found dead around 9 a.m. Feb. 12 inside a Novato apartment.

Novato police went to the apartment in the 1500 block of Hill Road for a welfare check after Reales-Gallegos' parents said they had been unable to reach their daughter. When no one answered the door, officers entered the home and found the deceased couple.

According to Novato police, evidence located at the scene indicated that Reales-Gallegos died as a result of blunt force trauma and Reales committed suicide by hanging. Following an investigation by Novato detectives and the Marin County Coroner's Office, authorities ruled their deaths a murder-suicide.

"We have concluded that Jacqueline Reales-Gallegos was a victim of homicide by her husband, Jose Reales, who then committed suicide at an unknown time after Jacqueline Reales-Gallegos' death," police said in a statement.

Although police have not yet determined a motive for the murder-suicide, an investigation revealed the couple was having marital problems.

"The Novato Police Department offers our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Jacqueline and Jose Reales," police said.

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• Couple Found Dead In Novato Identified

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