Deputies Search for Fifth Suspect in Kerman Double Murder | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, July 24, 2009

Kerman, CA A day after Sandra and Gary DeBartolo were killed in their Kerman home, an overwhelming shock and sadness hangs over the small community. Kerman High School Principal, Don Brinkman said, "You don't want to believe it." Kerman Unified Superintendent Robert Frausto said, "It doesn't make sense to us as a district or a community."

Sandra graduated from Kerman High in 1972 and walked right back in as an employee. During her 37 years, she performed many duties in the front office. Frausto said, "I can't describe her any other way but she was a model employee, the backbone of the high school. She'll be missed."

Brinkman may be the Principal but he described his senior secretary as the go-to person for just about everything. "She knew the history of the school, everything about every staff member and how the school functioned. She was kinda my boss. She was that good."

Mr. DeBartolo owned a mobile windshield replacement business that he ran from his home. Fresno County Supervisor Phil Larson told Action News he knew Gary and Sandy personally and professionally. Larson says he contracted with Gary anytime his company vehicles needed windshield work.

But no one can understand what police say they found in the well respected couple's home, several marijuana plants. Frausto said, "It leaves a lot of people scratching their head."

Debra Hallock grew up on the same street as the DeBartolo's. She said, "Of all people this would be, I would never believe it would be them, no."

Police say the DeBartolo's son Eric lived with his parents but neighbors say he rented this home nearby. No one seemed to know what he did for a living or where he was. Investigators confirm they detained the 32 year old Wednesday but would not say if he was released or is still in custody.

Fifth Suspect Sought in Kerman Double Murder