Three Dead After Argument Escalates

"EL MONTE, CA — An El Monte man apparently killed his daughter and her girlfriend before turning the gun on himself in a double murder/suicide, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday.

"Los Angeles County coroner's officials identified the three dead as Harry Maldonado Jr., 65, Evie Maldonado, 32, and Diana Amaya, 38. They were found shot to death inside the garage of an apartment complex, where they lived together with other relatives, said Lt. Eddie Hernandez of the sheriff's homicide bureau.

"The shooting was reported Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at an apartment at 9935 Marshall St., authorities said. El Monte police officers went to the apartment but were told the shooter and the two victims were in the garage. The three were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Family members told investigators the women were domestic partners and had often argued.

"`This time, for whatever reason, Harry interjected himself between the two females,` Hernandez said. `What we know is that somehow this escalated the event and Harry armed himself with a handgun.`

"Hernandez said Harry Maldonado shot his daughter and Amaya before turning the gun on himself. A handgun was recovered at the scene."

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