Turlock Police Officers responded to a report of disturbance and gunshots fired at Brad Bates Park, just east of the Turlock Sports Complex, on Monday, February 14, 2011, at approximately 5:29 pm.
Additional information led officers to the 2900 Block of Grand Oak Court where they located a small SUV/crossover vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers found a man and woman both shot and unresponsive. Medical personnel were summoned; however the man and woman had succumbed to their wounds.
The man and woman found shot to death were tentatively identified but their names have not been released. The male was a 34 year old from Keyes and the female was a 33 year old from Turlock.
A handgun was recovered at the scene and the incident appeared to have been a murder/suicide.
“We believe the incident was contained and there are no other suspects involved or at large,” said Turlolck Police Lieutenant Ron Reid.
Preliminary information was that the man and woman had been involved in an on and off again relationship but did not live together. The two that died in the shooting did not live in the area but did have family close by.
Neighborhood reports say the couples’ two children were involved and that the youngest one, 8 years old, may have witnessed the shooting. Turlock Police would not comment on the witness.
“There was a witness, but we won’t comment on anything about the witness,” said Lieutenant Reid.
The shooting is being treated as a homicide and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Tosta at (209) 668-5550 ext.6624.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.