EL CAJON, CA — The deaths of a married couple found in their East County apartment this week have been ruled a murder-suicide, authorities said Friday.
Eric Orpinela, 42, and his wife, Denise Helen Orpinela, 39, were reported dead at about 9:45 a.m. Thursday at their home in the 200 block of East Bradley Avenue in the unincorporated area of El Cajon, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
The couple died of gunshot wounds to the head, sheriff’s Lt. Joseph Jarjura said. The woman’s death was determined a homicide and her husband’s was ruled a suicide.
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“Eric has been identified as the only suspect in the deaths,” Jarjura said. “There are no outstanding suspects and there is no threat to the community.
The couple had three children, ages 9, 13 and 14. One of the children called 911 to report the deaths, Jarjura told Patch.
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“The children were not injured and are being cared for,” he said.
“The circumstances and motivation for this crime are currently under investigation,” he added.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the department’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or after hours at 858-565-5200. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
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