A married couple reportedly going through a nasty breakup after a 20-year marriage were found dead inside their California home, in what police are calling a murder-suicide.
People reports that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department stated that Maurice Molina, 55, stabbed his wife, Julie, 48, to death before stabbing himself to death. The incident occurred off of the 13400 block of Winthrope Street in unincorporated Orange County, at around 3 p.m. on Monday.
#OCSDPIO Press release and update on yesterday's death investigation in unincorporated Santa Ana. Decedents identified as Julie Molina, 48, and Maurice Molina, 55. Based on information obtained and evidence collected, incident is being investigated as a possible murder-suicide. pic.twitter.com/SnO0EwNbpv
— OC Sheriff, CA (@OCSD) March 6, 2018
Neighbors said the couple had been going through divorce proceedings and Maurice apparently was having trouble accepting that his 20-year marriage was ending. The couple had two adult sons, one currently in college.
Molina’s mother, who reportedly visited her daughter at the Winthrope Street home regularly, walked into the home on Monday and discovered the dead bodies, neighbors said, according to KTLA. The distraught mother’s screams alerted neighbors, who promptly called authorities for help.
“We all knew them as a relatively quiet family,” neighbor Brian Gonzalez said.
According to authorities, Maurice was the aggressor and his wife was “the victim of homicide.” Police stated that no other suspects were being sought.
The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo: Maurice and Julie Molina/Facebook]
