The Fresno county Sherrif's office is investigating it as a murder suicide.
"On Wednesday evening around 6:30PM we received a 911 call from a family member who said they were on the line with a man, he was threatening to shoot his elderly mother, his dogs and then himself," explains Tony Botti, with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
Detectives say as Fowler police responded that crime took place.
The victim had been identified as 78 year old Cheryl Hanoian.
The suspect was her son, 60 year old James McFarland.
"At this point we are trying to learn more about James and Cheryl. There's nothing glaring to us right now as to what may have led to something like this. So those are the questions we are looking to answer right now," says Botti.
McFarland also shot his three dogs.
Police say he had recently moved into the home from New Mexico.
Neighbors describe the family as quiet and remember Cheryl as a kind lady.
"Friendly, outgoing, frequently out in the yard working, taking walks in the neighborhood. Everyone knows everyone," mentions Fowler Police Department Chief Greg Gularte.
Fowler's police chief says- the city is small, with a population of about 7,000 people.
Some of his officers even knew the victim.
The Fresno County Sherrif's Office says the last homicide in Fowler was a double murder-suicide, in 2020.
The family of the victims say they had no comment and have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.