Two Dead in Murder-Suicide near Sanger | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Fresno, CA Family members are shocked and devastated. The couple had just returned from a vacation and no one would have ever expected this. Around 1:00 Monday afternoon the wife called to report she was badly bleeding and needed help.

The ranch house is impeccable, new and according to neighbors a work in progress. More brick had been delivered days earlier, leaving neighbors even more puzzled about the apparent murder suicide. They felt the couple had so many plans left undone.

Fernie Fernandez said, "I used to just drive by and wave to him and that would be it. I would just see all the work he had been doing to his house. You know putting up a brick wall; he was always doing good things you know what I mean."

Monday afternoon deputies responded to the home on Greenwood near Dakota to find the suspect dead of a gunshot wound. His wife managed to call for help before she faded after being cut in the throat.

Chris Curtice with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said, "Once inside they located a female with obvious injuries to her neck and torso area. She was still alive and they also located a deceased male in the same bedroom."

Family members showed up at the scene clearly upset by the tragedy. The couple had three children, including an 11 year old who was not home at the time. He's now being cared for by his older sister.

Sheriff's refused to reveal what went wrong or what prompted the violence. Detectives would not say whether the couple has any history of domestic problems. Deputies spent hours inside the home collecting evidence as they try to find out what led to the seemingly surprising and sad event.

"The detectives will be interviewing family and friends anybody that may have been in contact with either one of the people prior to this all happening."

The woman died in the ambulance before ever getting to the hospital. Family members are still notifying loved ones, so we are not reporting the names of the couple.