Killer Found Dead In Victim's Car

"EL PASO, TX — The El Paso Police Department have officially released the names of those involved in a murder/suicide Wednesday.

"Police received a call at about 5:45 p.m. at an apartment in the 10700 block of Vista Del Sol where 26-year-old Jacqueline Valenzuela was found shot to death inside her apartment.

"Detectives identified 27-year-old Carlos Torres, who was at the apartment when the shooting occurred, as the suspect in the homicide.

"Police say Torres fled the scene in a vehicle that belonged to Valenzuela—a black 2012 Ford Focus.

"Police searched for Torres and received information that he may have been in the Tom Mays Park area in West El Paso off of Trans Mountain.

"Officers approached the vehicle and saw a man—identified as Torres—dead inside of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Police say the motive for the homicide appears to be jealousy as Valenzuela and Torres had recently broken off a relationship and Valenzuela had begun seeing someone else. The case remains ongoing at this time."

From kvia.com...

Police Seek Motive In Death Of Mother & Son

"MILL CREEK CANYON, NV — Unified Police detectives on Wednesday were mining the backgrounds of a Taylorsville man and his mother for possible motives behind an apparent murder/suicide.

"UPD Lt. Justin Hoyal confirmed that among the factors being investigated are the reported failing health of 74-year-old Alice Williamson. Detectives believe it was her son, Lionel Williamson, 51, who fatally shot his mother about noon Tuesday, and then turned his rifle on himself.

"The victims’ bodies were found in the parking lot of a snow gate, about 5 miles up Millcreek Canyon, early Tuesday afternoon. Officers were dispatched to the scene after 911 calls came in reporting gunshots in the area, followed by discovery of the remains.

"Possible stress over caring for his mother is among potential motives being investigated, Hoyal confirmed.

"`That’s one of the things we’re looking into,` Hoyal said. `We’re still looking it this. We have some ideas about motives, but nothing concrete yet.`

"The Williamsons lived together in a Taylorsville home, Hoyal said."

From the Salt Lake Tribune...

Motive Unknown In Shooting Rampage That Leaves 3 Dead

"COOS BAY, OR — An Oregon prosecutor says it appears a gunman first lured his father to a remote campsite and killed him, then drove to a beach where he shot five cars in a parking lot, killing a Michigan man who was sleeping in his vehicle. The gunman then killed himself.

"Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier said Zachary Brimhall's father, 58-year-old William Ray Brimhall of Dillard, Oregon, had been shot multiple times.

"His body was found Tuesday near his vehicle on a rural road about 50 miles from Bastendorff Beach, where the drive-by shooting took place earlier in the day.

"David Jesse Hortman, 43, of Walker, Michigan was also killed in the incident. He was camping in the area when he was shot. Walker is a suburb of Grand Rapids.

"Frasier says there's `no question the son is responsible` for his father's death.

"The prosecutor says he has no idea what motivated the violence on the south Oregon coast."

From WNEM.com...

Ex-Husband With A Gun Cancels Rural Rendezvous

"LOGAN, OH — A man is dead and a woman hospitalized after the woman’s ex-husband opened fire at a cabin in the Hocking Hills. That suspected gunman is also injured due to an apparent self-inflicted wound.

"Michael Napoli is accused of shooting his ex-wife, Kimberly Napoli, and James Boergers, Jr. on Saturday night. It happened at the Wildwoods Backwood Retreats Cabins on State Route 678 in Hocking County.

"Kimberly survived the attack.

"She was injured but managed to drive four miles looking for help. She arrived at a home of a Logan firefighter, and his wife called for help just before 9 p.m. on Saturday.

"Kimberly can be heard in the recording saying that her ex-husband was the shooter and that he found her by hacking her email.

"When authorities arrived at the cabin, they discovered James Boergers Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida dead of a single gunshot wound.

"Police say Michael Napoli used social media accounts and email to track down his ex and the man she was with.

"According to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, Michael Napoli was spotted around 24 hours after the shooting at the Econo Lodge on West Lancaster Road in West Lancaster, about an hour west of the cabin.

"After police confirmed that it was Michael in the motel, they surrounded the building around 6:00 a.m. Monday. Authorities tried to get him to surrender using tear gas, but he refused to come out.

"Michael Napoli then realized he was trapped and called for a negotiator. After several hours, talks broke off and police say the suspect’s conversation became disoriented. That's when deputies felt he would not exit the motel room alive, and they made the decision to go in.

"Upon entry, they found Napoli with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton in critical condition."

From WBNS...

Police Chase Ends With Dead Driver, Body in Trunk

"WYOMING, MI — Three people and an unborn baby are dead after a bizarre chain of events in the Grand Rapids area.

"It began with a report of an abandoned vehicle near Gezon Park in Wyoming and the discovery of homicide victim Charles Oppenneer Wednesday.

"That triggered the search for his 18-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Brooke Slocum.

"It all came to a bloody disturbing end when police gave chase to a suspect in the investigation and he crashed into the railing on the bridge that carries Burton St. over U.S. 131 late last night.

"Police say they found their suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound behind the wheel and Slocum’s body in the trunk.

"Slocum was 8-1/2 months pregnant."

From WKZO...

UPDATE:

07/28/2014 — The Craigslist connection...

Cops Find Bodies In Park After 911 Call

"MILPITAS, CA — A man and woman were found dead in Hidden Lake Park on Friday shortly after residents reported hearing gunfire in the area, Milpitas police said.

"Officers were dispatched to the park at 1 p.m. after receiving a call that there would soon be two deaths near a levee in the park, said Commander Armando Corpuz.

"Police found a man and woman dead near Berryessa Creek Trail and later searched the couple’s home on Erie Boulevard, Corpuz said.

"`We don’t believe there’s anybody outstanding in this death investigation. The public is not at risk,` he said.

"The northeast corner of the park was closed for several hours while police investigated what one officer characterized as a possible murder-suicide.

"Investigators have not revealed a motive for the shootings."

From CBS San Franciso...

Killer's Body Found In Cemetery

"DOCTOR PHILLIPS, FL — The body of a man investigators said murdered his wife at an Orange County park has been located.

"Orange County deputies said Julian Paris was found dead by family members from a self-inflected gunshot wound, next to his late son's grave at Woodlawn Cemetery.

"Paris had been on the run since Wednesday, after investigators said he fatally shot his wife, Nicole, at Dr. Phillips Community Park.

"Deputies said the suspect's family thought they might find Paris at the gravesite.

"Paris' ex-wife and daughter found him dead at 7:20 p.m. Thursday. Paris' son died two years ago in a pedestrian accident at age 18.

"Meanwhile, the couple's three surviving children witnessed the shooting Wednesday afternoon at Dr. Phillips Community Park.

"Deputies were called out to a domestic violence incident involving the recently separated couple, hours before Nicole was killed.

"But right now, investigators don't know why he killed himself.

"`You all know that he was going through a separation, but we do not know why he took this extreme drastic measure. We got the call around 7:25 (p.m.), family called saying they found the body of Mr. Paris at his son's grave,` said Jane Watrel of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

"Paris had several aliases. His family said his given name is Rick Adderly.

"It's also been confirmed that Paris had known his wife Nicole for more than 20 years, because he was her stepfather.

"The two married in 1998, but before that, he was married to Nicole’s mother, who found his body Thursday night.

"Deputies are still looking for his white Kia Spectra with Florida license K259IV.

"The couple leaves behind three surviving children."

From mynews13.com...

Bodies Found In Park

"BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Two people were found dead Monday night inside a car at Caloosa Park, according to Boynton Beach police.

"A Palm Beach County park ranger notified police just after 9 p.m. that he found a man and woman dead inside a blue Toyota Corolla in the park at 1300 S.W. 35th Ave.

"Detectives said it appears that Jimmy Mercy, 39, shot Cynthia Galloway, 33, and then shot himself.

"Investigators said they found a handgun in Mercy’s right hand with his index finger on the trigger.

"`We held onto the scene to secure any evidence. It was raining last night, police didn't get out there til 9 o'clock. They towed the vehicle this morning to our sally port,` said Boynton Beach police spokeswoman Stephanie Slater.

"Mercy had a criminal history. Just last year he was arrested for battery and robbery."

From wptv.com...

Dad & Son Found Dead In State Park

"WILDWOOD, MO — The case of two men found fatally shot in the Babler State Park on Tuesday night is now being classified as a murder/suicide, St. Louis County police said Wednesday.

"The victims are identified as Douglas Potter, 57, and his son, Joseph Potter, 20. They both lived in the 16800 block of Westglen Farms Drive in Wildwood.

"The father killed the son, then fatally shot himself, said St. Louis County police spokesman Brian Schellman.

"Police found a handgun at the scene. Schellman said police don't know a motive at this point and won't comment on whether any note was left behind."

Read more at stltoday.com...

Father & Son Found Dead In Park

"GREENSBURG, IN — Greensburg Police are investigating the overnight death of a Greensburg Junior High School Student, Tyler Hall, 14, and his father Greg Hall, 44, after the pair’s bodies were found at City Park late Tuesday night in the father’s car.

"According to GPD Cpt. Bill Meyerrose, father and son both died of apparent gunshot wounds.

"Greg Hall reportedly picked up his son from GJHS Tuesday afternoon, which was apparently nothing out of the ordinary. The child lived with his mother in Greensburg and she became concerned when the father failed to return the boy home at the agreed upon time.

"Tyler’s family reportedly called the Rushville County Sheriff’s office with their concerns, telling deputies that Greg Hall has recently been suicidal. Rush County authorities were reportedly in the process of releasing an Amber Alert when the GPD located Greg Hall’s car, Meyerrose said.

"An autopsy in the case is schedule for later today."

Source: Greensburg Daily News...

Mother, Son Found Dead In Park

"SUWANEE, GA — A missing Gwinnett County mother and her son have been found dead in what police believe is a murder/suicide.

"Thuy Phan, 48, and her 24-year-old son Vincent were reported missing Thursday evening by family members.

"After Thuy Phan's oldest son found her car in Rock Springs Park in unincorporated Lawrenceville, police began searching the park, according to Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Edwin Ritter.

"Thuy and Vincent Phan's bodies were found shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday in a wooded area of the park. Ritter said investigators determined Thuy Phan shot her son, who had been diagnosed with autism, and then turned the gun on herself.

"A motive for the murder-suicide has not yet been established."

From 11alive.com...

Manhunt Ends In Killer's Suicide

"RENO, NV — The manhunt for a Carson City murder suspect has apparently ended in suicide.

"Police say 22-year-old Dylan Brentlinger fatally shot himself when he was confronted by officers at a Reno park Monday afternoon.

"Brentlinger was wanted in the shooting of his ex-girlfriend and killing of her father at a Carson City home on the 2800 block of Carmine Street on Saturday.

"Reno Police Lt. William Rulla told the Reno Gazette-Journal Brentlinger's father alerted police Monday that his son had been staying at his Reno home.

"Officers spotted him at Manzanita Park about 1 p.m. and spent about four minutes trying to talk him into surrendering before he turned his gun on himself.

"The victims' names have not been released. The 19-year-old woman remains at Renown Regional Medical Center but authorities say she is expected to survive."

From sfgate.com...

Bodies Found In Park Were Father & Son

""WINSTON-SALEM, NC — Investigators have ruled the the death of a father and son at Salem Lake Park on Wednesday a murder/suicide, according to police.

"Police determined the father and son met at Salem Lake. At some point Charles Timothy Nichols, Jr., 29, shot Charles Timothy Nichols, 58, prior to shooting himself.

"Nichols, Jr.’s mother, Janet Nichols, spoke to [reporters] Thursday, saying, `Charlie was defending me when it all happened. A couple of days before, my husband hurt me and my son found out and was upset. Charlie always stood up for me.`

"Friends of Nichols, Jr. are defending his mother’s statement.

"`He loved his family he loved his mom,` said Scotty Newsom, Charles Nichols, Jr.’s friend. `It was just inconceivable that he would do something just for spite to hurt somebody.`

"The ongoing investigation into this case revealed that there had been incidents of domestic violence within the family.

"The Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that Charles Timothy Nichols died after being shot multiple times and Charles Timothy Nichols, Jr. died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Police responded to 1001 Salem Lake Road around 11:24 a.m. Wednesday in reference to the shooting.
Upon arrival, officers found the two men deceased in a gravel parking lot about 400 yards from the entrance to Salem Lake.

"It remains unclear if there were any witnesses to the shooting."

From WGHP...

Shooter Kills Himself As Police Close In

"PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI — A Salem man killed himself in Racine Tuesday night shortly after he reportedly shot the man dating his ex-wife in Pleasant Prairie.

"Michael L. Darracott, 44, of Pleasant Prairie, was shot multiple times in the head and chest at his home Tuesday night by his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Dean L. Knudtson, 42, of Salem, according to Pleasant Prairie Deputy Police Chief Dave Mogensen.

"Police responded to the residence, 9227 Cooper Road, at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. Pleasant Prairie rescue personnel took Darracott to St. Catherine’s Medical Center, but due to the serious nature of his injuries, he was then flown to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa by Flight for Life, police said.

"Darracott remained critical condition at Froedtert Wednesday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

"Mogensen said Darracott was dating Knudtson’s ex-wife and had been for some time.

"Knudtson was found shortly after the incident at Pritchard Park near Durand Avenue and Ohio Street in Racine. He called 911 advising authorities of his location and what he did.

"Sheriff’s deputies, Racine police and Mount Pleasant police responded to the area near Knudtson’s vehicle. They heard a gun shot and saw a muzzle flash from the interior of the vehicle, reports said.

"As responding officers approached the suspect’s vehicle, Knudtson was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Rescue personnel was called, but Knudtson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police."

From Kenosha News...

Suspected Arsonist/Killer Found Dead In Park With Another Victim

"SACRAMENTO, CA — Police are investigating the deaths of two men whose bodies were found in a Huntington Beach park Tuesday as a possible murder/suicide involving a wanted parolee.

"An individual walking through Bartlett Park Tuesday spotted both bodies at about 12:50 p.m. and called police. Known for homeless encampments, the park is heavily covered by trees and brush and houses several dirt trails.

"Both men sustained gunshot wounds, and one of the victims has been identified as Abraham Felmley, a 32-year-old parolee and person of interest wanted for questioning in a deadly fire in Sacramento County that occurred on Monday. The other man appears to have been a homeless man camping in the area, reports City News Service. He has yet to be identified.

"Two men related to Felmley—62-year-old Dennis Felmley and his 84-year-old father, Chesley Felmley—were found dead Monday morning in a house fire in the 7300 block of French Road in southeastern Sacramento County. Their cause of death was not immediately known, and an investigation into how the blaze was set continues.

"A white pickup truck belonging to one of the victims was stolen from the residence, and hours later a man reported a carjacking of a 1992 green Toyota Camry in Merced. Felmley was the main suspect in all three incidents."

From laist.com...

Elderly Couple Found Dead In Park

"JACKSONVILLE, FL — A man and his wife, both 84, are dead after the man shot his wife then shot himself, Jacksonville police said.

"George D. McCallum took Nancy McCallum a half-mile away from their home to Glynlea Park. The two of them had been suffering from health problems, police said. About 8 a.m. Tuesday, police found their bodies.

"`She had her back to the car and was laying on her side,` said Anita Clare, whose backyard borders the park and both bodies were visible to her when she stepped outside Tuesday morning.

"`He was on his back with his hands on his chest,` Clare said. `It’s so sad that they had to resolve their problems this way.`

"This marks the ninth homicide in last 10 days in Jacksonville. It’s the second murder-suicide on the First Coast this year; there were 12 last year."

From jacksonville.com...

Death On A Park Bench

"MONTCLAIR, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray announced that the deaths of Shanae Howard, 24, of Orange and Brandon Brown, 26 of Montclair, who were found shot and killed in Canterbury Park in Montclair last night, have been determined to be a homicide/suicide by the regional medical examiner.

"Shanae Howard sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and Brandon Brown sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.

"The weapon recovered at the scene by the Montclair Police was determined to be the weapon used in the incident.

"Earlier today, Essex County Prosecutor’s office identified the two victims and said they had a dating relationship. The shootings took place on a bench in the park, steps away from a playground. The victims were found and pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.

"By late this afternoon, police tape had been removed from Canterbury Park and young children ran about the playground. A police cruiser drove through the park, as kids played basketball and couples walked along trails."

From baristanet.com...

Killer Confesses In Suicide Note

"AUSTIN, TX — Investigators say the body found in the water at a Lake Travis park Thursday night was the victim of a murder/suicide.

"Roger Wade with the Travis County Sheriff's Office say the body has been identified as 27-year-old Shameka McGriff (pictured).

"She was found at around 10:20 p.m. near the dock at Mansfield Dam Park. Her body was recovered from the water and taken to the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office, who says she died from a gunshot wound to the head.

"Wade says Shameka had been reported missing from her home in North Travis County on April 10, by her boyfriend 28-year-old Kenneth Clark Jr.

"Wade said detectives had been following leads in the case that lead them to believe that Shameka was not alive and may have been placed in Lake Travis. Divers from the Travis County Sheriff's Underwater Recovery Team had been searching for several days.

"Detectives interviewed Clark, but before they could investigate further, or find her body, he took his own life in San Antonio. Wade says he left a note that said that he placed Shameka's body in the water."

From keyetv.com...

Factory Workers Get Unexpected Day Off

"DETROIT, MI — An employee at a Chrysler Group LLC automotive plant died Thursday morning after an altercation in the facility, and the auto worker suspected of stabbing his colleague to death was found dead at a nearby park, police said.

"The suspect was found by authorities midmorning Thursday on Belle Isle, the city's 982-acre island park in the Detroit River not far from Chrysler's Jefferson North Assembly Plant. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

"Earlier in the day, two employees at the auto maker's Jefferson North plant were involved in some kind of fight inside the plant, the auto maker said. One employee was stabbed and died at the plant. A spokeswoman for the Detroit Police Department said the two men had a history of not getting along.

"As a result of the death at the plant, the auto maker suspended production and released its employees. The plant on the city's east side has 3,075 hourly and salaried workers on two shifts.

"Chrysler's Jefferson North plant was built in 1991 and now makes two sport-utility vehicles: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango."

From The Wall Street Journal...

Shooter Found Dead In Park

"LITTLETON, CO — Littleton police released the identities of two men involved in an apparent murder-suicide.

"Littleton Cmdr. Kim Ferber said Ken Germain was fatally shot multiple times at his home by Colin Collea on Thursday afternoon.

"Germain was found dead at his house at 5931 S. Camargo Way after Collea, 57, called police and told them there was a shooting at the house, Ferber said.

"Collea told Littleton dispatch he was at Bear Creek Lake Park. Lakewood police discovered Collea's body shortly afterward in the southern part of the park with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"It is not clear how Germain and Collea knew each other. Ferber said there are no additional suspects being sought in relation to the shootings."

From TheDenverChannel.com...

UPDATE:

07/08/2012 — "Frankly, I'm surprised it took this long..."