Couple Found Dead by Teen Daughter Died in Murder-Suicide

A married couple found dead in their home in San Diego County this week by their teen daughter died in a murder-suicide.

One of the children of 42-year-old Eric Orpinela and 39-year-old Denise Orpinela called 911 shortly before 10 a.m. on Thursday to report that she’d found the bodies, as CrimeOnline previously reported.

San Diego Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Joseph Jarjura said that the couple died from gunshot wounds to the head and that Eric Orpinela “has been identified as the only suspect in the deaths.”

Initial reports indicated the Orpinelas had trauma to their heads and torsos. Jarjura said that there are no outstanding suspects, and there is no threat to the community.”

Investigators were still working to uncover what led to the shootings, Jarjura said. The couple’s three children — ages 14, 13, and 7 — “were not injured and are being cared for,” he said.

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[Featured image: KNSD screenshot]