Violent murder-suicide shakes neighbors in Woodville community

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tragedy in Tulare County after a domestic violence incident turns deadly in the community of Woodville on Thursday.

"I've lived here in Woodville all my whole life, so to me, it's a place to live. I love it. Spent my whole life here but very seldom do we have anything like that happening," said long-term Woodville Resident Jannette Bell-Long.

Just before 3:15 Thursday afternoon, deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office were called to a home on Crystal Street and Reed Avenue.

While investigating, deputies learned someone had been shot. Once inside the property, they discovered two people -- a man and a woman -- suffering from gunshot wounds.

The response generated a heavy police presence in the quiet neighborhood.

"They got out with their guns drawn and their shields and took off running across over there. Scared me bad," said Bell-Long.

The 30-year-old woman was taken to the hospital, where she later died.

Deputies pronounced the 40-year-old man dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Preliminarily, it has been determined that the domestic violence incident turned fatal and is being treated as a murder-suicide at this time," said Tulare County Sheriff's Sgt. Brad McLean in an online video update.

Investigators revealed a child was present during the time of the shooting. Neighbors told Action News off camera -- the child was a 12-year-old girl.

"From what I understand, she ran next door and said that he had shot her mother," said Bell-Long.

According to a GoFundMe organized by the family, loved ones identified the female victim as Maricruz Gutierrez. In the fundraiser's description, the family shared the mother of two was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

According to the GoFundMe, Gutierrez leaves behind two children ages 12 and 16.

"It's very disturbing and for the kids, I feel sorry for them. Their mother's gone," said Bell-Long. "I don't know what to say. I just hate seeing things like this happen in our neighborhood."

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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