SANTA MONICA, CA — A husband and wife found shot to death inside a Santa Monica home over the weekend have been identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Nicole Rabitzsch, 47, and Hendrik Rabitzsch, 48, were found dead Saturday night inside a residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled Nicole Rabitzsch's death a homicide and Hendrik Rabitzsch's death a suicide. Both died from gunshot wounds to the head.
Police said investigators determined that Hendrik Rabitzsch fatally shot his wife before taking his own life. Officers went to the Pico Boulevard residence to conduct a welfare check at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday and found the couple dead inside.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred much earlier, at approximately 6:42 a.m. that day, police said. A firearm was recovered at the scene. SMPD said no other people were believed to have been involved and described the shooting as an isolated incident with no continuing threat to the public.
Patch reported Sunday that police were investigating the deaths as an apparent murder-suicide. The couple's identities had not yet been released at that time pending formal identification and notification of their family.
Anyone with information about the deaths was asked to contact the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. In Los Angeles County, domestic violence resources are also available through the county's hotline at 800-978-3600.
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