"This Is Absolutely A Senseless Tragedy"

"QUEEN CREEK, AZ — A San Tan Valley man shot two of his children to death and critically wounded his wife before committing suicide Tuesday, according to a Pinal County Sheriff's Office representative.

"Evidence at the scene helped deputies determine that Gilbert Ramos, 45, shot his wife, Sandra, and their two children, Nicholas, 10, and Emma, 8, before turning the gun on himself, Sgt. Tim Gaffney said Wednesday morning.

"He said Ramos and his two children were dead when deputies arrived at the home. Sandra Ramos, 37, was airlifted to a hospital and was in extremely critical condition Wednesday morning, Gaffney said. All four were shot in the head, he said.

"Deputies said relatives went to check on the family Tuesday afternoon after attempts to reach them failed. Deputies said family members found the bodies of Gilbert and Sandra in their home on 1362 Nardini Street in the community southeast of Phoenix. According to deputies, the relatives called 911.

"Deputies said it was not clear what prompted the shootings and were awaiting a medical examiner's report.

"`This is absolutely a senseless tragedy,` Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said.

"`The actions of Gilbert Ramos have devastated family, friends and neighbors in this quiet community. Many of the deputies and detectives who responded to this tragedy have young children the same age as Nicholas and Emma. This is a very difficult situation for all.`"

From KPHO.com...