Delano, CA: Police: Man Kills Wife, Shoots Sister-In-Law, Kills Self

POSTED: 4:42 pm PDT August 21, 2009

UPDATED: 5:47 pm PDT August 21, 2009

DELANO, Calif. -- A husband and wife are dead after an apparent murder-suicide, the Delano Police Department reported.

On Friday around 5:15 a.m., officers of the Delano Police Department responded to the 400 block of 18 Ave., in regard to a possible shooting.

When officers arrived, they said they discovered Merced Rodriguez 24, Lorena Gonzalez 30, and Delia Gonzalez, the sister of Lorena, who were all victims of gun shot wounds.

Merced and Lorena were pronounced dead at the scene, Sgt. Donald Flores told ABC23.

The incident was the result of a domestic dispute between Merced and his estranged wife Lorena, Flores told ABC23.

Witnesses said that Merced shot Lorena, then shot Delia, and then turned the gun on himself.

Delia Gonzalez was treated and released for moderate injuries she suffered as a result of the gunshot wound.

A handgun was recovered at the scene and the case is under investigation, to ascertain the nature of the dispute.

Flores told ABC23 that Merced and Lorena leave behind three children.