Couple Dead In Murder-Suicide At Santee Senior Home

SANTEE, CA — An elderly couple died in a murder-suicide Tuesday in their home at a senior living facility in Santee, authorities said Wednesday.

A man and woman were found dead around 11:05 a.m. inside their home in the 300 block of Lantern Way, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. They were identified as 74-year-old Michael Sheehan and his wife, 78-year-old Beverly Slater-Sheehan.

"The autopsies in the case have been completed," sheriff's Lt. Michael Krugh said. "The preliminary results indicate the manner of death for both Beverly and Michael were a gunshot wound. The cause of death for Beverly was homicide. The cause of death for Michael was suicide."

Michael Sheehan was identified as the only suspect in the deaths, Krugh said.

"The circumstances and motivation for this crime are still under investigation," he said.

This was the second time in recent months that an elderly married couple died in a murder-suicide at the same senior living facility.

David Soulner, 82, and his wife, Claire Soulner, 79, died over Memorial Day weekend. David Soulner was identified as the only suspect in the deaths.