Detectives believe the husband ended an argument Friday evening by shooting his wife then turning the gun on himself. Their dead bodies were discovered after Porterville firefighters responded to smoke spewing out of an apartment.
Room number 74 has been marked unsafe by Porterville detectives investigating a murder-suicide. Shortly after 9:30 Friday evening smoke was reported fuming from under a door.
After firefighters entered and extinguished a small stove fire they discovered 26-year old Michael Vasquez and 24-year old Cheanna Sidhu shot to death.
Also inside were 3 children ages 2, 5 and 6. Investigators say they were uninjured but taken to Sierra View District Hospital for observation.
Resident Daniel Aguilar said: "It's a tragedy. I live here and it's a tragedy to hear that.
Resident Charles Severns added: "Scary thought. It's really a scary thought."
Residents at the 93 East Date Avenue apartment complex said very little is known about Vasquez and Sidhu. Detectives were not available to discuss this case in person but stated in a news release domestic violence has not been ruled out as a motive.
Aguilar: "It's been a good place, a good place to live. Like I said this is the first of these incidence that I've heard about."
According to the Porterville police report evidence and witness statements reveal this is a case of murder-suicide. After the visit to the hospital the three children were taken to the Tulare County Child Welfare center.
They are said to be in good shape physically.
