Investigators said a couple found dead in an Orange County home Thursday apparently died as the result of a murder-suicide.
Neighbors and family members gathered outside a home on 2nd Streetat 5th Avenue in Taft, after Orange County sheriff's deputies found the bodies of Theodore Riker, 52, and Melinda Roberts, 43, dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
"Something like that shouldn't happen," said neighbor Kenny Tuttle.
Deputies responded to the home after receiving a 911 call from neighbors who said they could hear a dog barking, so they requested a well-being check.
Deputies said they forced their way into the home where they found the bodies, along with a suicide note.
"You used to see (Roberts) around here a lot. She is out walking or driving around," said Tuttle.
Tuttle said when he last saw Riker and Roberts, the two appeared to be arguing about money.
"That she dyed her hair like a maroon color, and they got into a confrontation because she spent all his money," said Tuttle
According to detectives, the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide. Investigators said they believe Riker shot and killed Roberts before shooting and killing himself in the home where the pair lived.
Deputies said they have had no prior calls to the address.
Neighbors said they never expected the arguments to escalate to the point of costing the two their lives.
"I thought it was just a little money problem, and then the next thing I know they found out she was gone," said Tuttle.
Neighbors and family members gathered outside a home on 2nd Streetat 5th Avenue in Taft
"Something like that shouldn't happen," said neighbor Kenny Tuttle.
Deputies responded to the home after receiving a 911 call from neighbors who said they could hear a dog barking, so they requested a well-being check.
Deputies said they forced their way into the home where they found the bodies, along with a suicide note.
"You used to see (Roberts) around here a lot.
Tuttle said when he last saw Riker and Roberts, the two appeared to be arguing about money.
"That she dyed her hair like a maroon color, and they got into a confrontation because she spent all his money," said Tuttle
According to detectives, the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide. Investigators said they believe Riker shot and killed Roberts before shooting and killing himself in the home where the pair lived.
Deputies said they have had no prior calls to the address.
Neighbors said they never expected the arguments to escalate to the point of costing the two their lives.
"I thought it was just a little money problem, and then the next thing I know they found out she was gone," said Tuttle.
WFTV
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