Possible murder-suicide in Merced County
WINTON — The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two people found early Wednesday from what deputies describe as obvious signs of foul play.
Investigators responded to a call around 8 a.m. on Wednesday by a 15-year-old boy who reported that he had found his mother badly injured in her bedroom. Upon arrival at the home at 7305 Anne Circle, investigators discovered the body of a 44-year-old woman on the bed, and a 48-year-old man next to the bed in the same room. Deputies said that both bodies had sustained trauma resulting from foul play.
“Right now we’re treating it as a double homicide, but at first appearance it appears to be a murder-suicide,” said sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Tom MacKenzie.
Deputies have not indicated what type of weapon might have been used.
Neighbors have identified the couple as Darryl and Christine McCarthy. In addition to their 15-year-old son, a 13-year-old son was also at the residence on Wednesday morning. Both boys were unharmed and were taken into the custody of Merced County Child Protective Services.
“Obviously (the kids) are our primary concern right now, making sure they get the help they need,” MacKenzie said.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the department’s Major Crimes Unit at (209) 385-7472.
