2 dead in apparent murder-suicide in Moorpark

 

MOORPARK – A married couple, both 91, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in Moorpark Saturday in what authorities have described as a possible murder-suicide or similar scenario.

At about 11:50 a.m., a man called 911 and requested that deputies come to a home in the 11100 block of Broadview Drive in southwest Moorpark, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which is contracted to provide police services in the city.

The caller reportedly told a dispatcher that the deputies would find two bodies at the house, authorities said.

Investigators believe the man who made the call was the male victim at the scene, sheriff's officials said Sunday.

The couple was identified Sunday as Robert and Mildred Peskay, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office. The official cause and manner of death had not been determined Sunday pending examination, an official said.

The two were found in the backyard of their home, said Sgt. Ryan Clark, who is supervising the team investigating the deaths.

A warrant search of the property turned up a handgun during the initial investigation.

Major crimes investigators are continuing to nail down exactly what happened, Clark said, but authorities determined there were no subjects at large and no public safety threat.

Some details are being withheld so witnesses can give unbiased statements as interviews continue, Clark said.

When asked about potential scenarios, Clark said there "did not appear to be a history of domestic violence in this family, but we're looking at all possibilities."

Officials assume the same gun was used in both fatalities, he said, although forensic analysis will be done to make that conclusion.

The incident was initially described in media accounts as an apparent murder-suicide, but Clark said Sunday the circumstances are still under investigation.

Forensic laboratory analysis of gunshot residue will help determine whether one or both decedents fired the gun, Clark said.

The house is in a residential neighborhood on the south side of Arroyo Simi, west of Tierra Rejada Road, where some homes edge up to trees and vegetation bordering the arroyo.

The medical examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death, and sheriff's investigators will continue with witness interviews and forensic analysis, Clark said.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 805-583-6950.