LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif., Sept. 7 (UPI) — A Los Angeles area firefighter shot and killed his wife — who was a L.A. County Sheriff’s deputy — over the weekend in what appears to be a murder-suicide, investigators said Monday.
According to officials, Los Angeles County firefighter James M. Taylor entered the home of his wife Sunday night and shot her. Neighbors told 911 dispatchers that a woman could be heard screaming in the home.
He then fled the scene and drove to a fire station in Pacoima, investigators said.
“The suspect then fled the scene and drove to Los Angeles County Fire Facility in Pacoima where he killed himself,” said L.A. County Deputy Mike Barraza. “The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Cecilia Hoschet, 32, was an off-duty deputy who worked at the Inmate Reception Center of the L.A. County jail for two years, authorities said. The suspected gunman was a six-year member of his fire brigade.
Officials said the couple’s 6-year-old son was inside the home at the time his mother was killed, although he was not hurt.
A motive for the crime was not immediately revealed or addressed.
“We lost a wonderful deputy last night,” L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said Monday. “Deputy Hoschet impressed everyone she met at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department with her positive and helpful approach to her work. She will be missed.”
The couple’s relationship status was not immediately known.
“Today is a sad day for all public safety personnel in L.A. County,” Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby said. “On behalf of the entire Fire Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends facing the pain of their loss. Our thoughts are with everyone who was impacted by this tragedy.”
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