6 die in family murder-suicide in upscale LA home

October 7, 2008

By CHRISTINA HOAG, Associated Press Writer

1 hour, 14 minutes ago

An unemployed man with an advanced finance degree who was despondent

over his own financial problems shot and killed his wife, three

children, mother-in-law and then himself in an upscale home in a

gated community, police said Monday.

Officers found the bodies Monday morning after the wife failed to

show up at a neighbor's home to go to work, Deputy Chief Michel

said. The deaths occurred sometime after Saturday evening.

A handgun that had been bought Sept. 16 was found near the father's

body, said. The father left two suicide notes — one for police

and one for friends and relatives — and a will.

The notes attest to the man's financial difficulties, and he takes

responsibility for killing his family members, said.

The family members' names were not immediately released because

police wanted to make sure the children's schools had time to make

grief counselors available. The children were sons ages 19, 12 and 7.

The man had a master's of business administration in finance,

formerly worked for Pricewaterhouses and Sony Pictures, but had

been unemployed for several months, said.

did not specify what financial trouble the man had been in. He

noted that the family did not own the home.

Pricewaterhouses spokesman Silber had no immediate

comment. Sony Pictures Entertainment spokesman Steve Elzer did not

immediately return a call seeking comment.

The gated community, called Sorrento Pointe, is among several

developments along curving lanes and cul-de-sacs set on the foothills

of the Santa a Mountains in Porter Ranch, about 23 miles

northwest of downtown.

Ransdell, who lives across the street, said the house had been

occupied by the family for about a year.

" They didn't socialize too much, " he said. " They kept pretty much to

themselves. "

___

Associated Press Writer Adelman contributed to this report.

information contained in the AP News report may not be published,

broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written

authority of The Associated Press.

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