Neighbors Heard Screams And Gunshots

"ATWATER, CA - Two people are dead following a Friday shooting that Atwater police believe could be a murder-suicide.

"Police released only a sliver of details late Sunday and haven't said the identity or age of either person, pending notification of family or next of kin.

"The shooting was reported at 11:35 p.m. at the Castleview Apartments in the 1600 block of Bellevue Road, according to Asst. Chief Frank Pietro.

"Police responded to the scene regarding a domestic dispute and found the door to the apartment ajar. Inside, Pietro said officers saw a female victim lying in a pool of blood. He said a male victim was also found inside the apartment.

"On Sunday, a green sticker marked `coroner's seal` was on the door outside the second floor apartment, just above a silver helium `Happy Mother's Day` balloon and an assortment of flowers.

"Neighbors ... reported hearing at least one gunshot, followed by a woman screaming and more gunshots.

"One woman who asked to remain anonymous said the female victim was a friendly person who had many children. `Everybody knew her,` she said. `She got along with everyone over here.`"

Source: MERCED SUN-STAR...