Visalia PD rule couple's deaths murder suicide but their loved ones pose a different story

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The quiet of the night was interrupted by tears and sadness Friday, as loved ones came together to remember two young adults.

Family member said 24-year-old Adriana Diaz and 26-year-old Jonathan Pena had only been dating for about three months. A honeymoon stage those close to the couple believe was growing into a lifetime of happiness.

The love story ended abruptly when police showed up last Saturday for a welfare call and found Diaz and Pena dead inside their Visalia home. Investigators are calling the case a murder-suicide after evidence shows Pena shot and killed Diaz before taking his own life.

Diaz's mother, Angelina Gomez, said, "We are not convinced."

Gomez does not believe what police are saying and claims a previous boyfriend is responsible.

"She was involved in an abusive relationship-- a prior abusive relationship and that person couldn't let go of her and when they told me she died I took a deep a breath and the first thing that came out of mouth was his name."

Pena's family is also coming forward denying that he would kill himself or his girlfriend.

"He would never do anything like that, he loved life he was happy he had found her and they were happy together," said Cesar Pena, Jonathan's brother.

As Visalia Police continue to investigate, both families are left in shock. For now they said it is Diaz's three little kids and Pena's son that they are worried most about.

"The worst part is my grand kids are going to grow up without that mommy hug, you know. When you're little and you fall, you cry, and that mommy hug is priceless," said Gomez.

"All I want is for my nephew to one day, when he asks about his dad I can tell him your dad was a great person and somebody did this to him," said Pena.