Homicide-Suicide Suspected In Death Of Elderly Peninsula Couple

HALF MOON BAY, CA — San Mateo County sheriff's officials are investigating a deadly shooting in Half Moon Bay that claimed the lives of an elderly couple. The man and woman were both found dead in their home on Saturday night.

According to sheriff's Det. Rosemerry Blankswade, a 911 call was made around 8:51 p.m. Saturday for a possible shooting on Terrance Avenue. Blankswade said the call is believed to have come from the now-deceased husband.

"Deputies responded and found an 86-year-old female and 89-year-old male deceased in their residence," Blankswade said in a news release. "Both suffered recent gunshot wounds and a handgun was collected as evidence."

The detective called the incident an "apparent homicide/suicide" and said officials believe the shooting to be an isolated incident "and there is not threat to the public." She said investigators found "documents strategically placed in the house" that suggest the deaths are a homicide-suicide.

The sheriff's office is investigating the case and will work to determine whether one or both of the victims had health issues that may have prompted these actions, Blankswade said.

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone / Bay City News Service contributed to this report.