Shasta County Sheriff investigating possible murder-suicide in Bella Vista
Photo: Stock image (Source unknown)
BELLA VISTA // The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible murder-suicide after a structure fire led to the discovery of four human bodies on January 7th.
At around 5 PM that day, CALFIRE was dispatched to handle a structure fire on the 11000 block of Bella Vista Court. Fire personnel initially discovered only one deceased person, noting that the majority of the roof had collapsed, covering the interior of the residence and preventing further entry.
Once fire personnel made their way inside, three more bodies were discovered, as well as the bodies of two dogs and a cat.
Two of the human bodies, one male and one female, were discovered in the living room — both having sustained gunshot wounds. A small-caliber handgun was also found near the woman’s body.
Two more bodies, also a male and female and also with gunshot wounds, were discovered in the bedroom.
Physical evidence collected at the scene has led Shasta County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the incident as a possible murder-suicide, while CALFIRE investigates the source of the fire. Both agencies will continue to coordinate with each other as the investigation unfolds.
Officials are not releasing the victims’ identities at this time, pending autopsies and notification of next-of-kin.
