Desert Man Kills Wife, Wounds 19-Year-Old Stepson: Sheriff's Department

VICTORVILLE, CA — A 41-year-old Victorville man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder after allegedly shooting his wife and 19-year-old stepson at their home, authorities said.

Deputies responded to a report of an assault with a firearm around 8:17 a.m. in the 14000 block of Hopland Street, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

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The 19-year-old caller told dispatchers that his stepfather, Samuel Alfred Tomasello, had shot him and his mother, 39-year-old Denise Stovall.

When deputies arrived, they ordered the home's occupants to step outside. The teenager exited with a gunshot wound to his abdomen, while Tomasello stepped out and was detained without incident, officials said.

Inside the residence, deputies found Stovall suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and performed emergency CPR until paramedics arrived. Stovall and her son were transported to a local hospital, where Stovall died from her injuries. The stepson was treated and later released.

Detectives with the department's Homicide Detail responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Tomasello was booked into the High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of murder. He remained behind bars Monday.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling or texting "REPORT" to We-Tip at 844-909-3006 or visiting mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.