INVESTIGATION UPDATE: Double murder, suicide possibly related to dating relationship

Sheriff's Homicide Lt. John Maryon is now reporting that an incident that involved the death of three people in the 30600 block of Chihuahua Valley Road in Warner Springs on Friday, May 1, appears to have been a double murder and suicide. All parties have now been identified.

According to the update, the two women who were found dead were Sadie Louise Stockalper, age 28, and her mother, Felice Elena Howard-Vinnard, 63. The women were both shot multiple times in the upper portions of their bodies. It appears a handgun was used to kill the women.

The man found in life-threatening condition at the scene was identified as Steven M. Keith, age 52.

According to authorities, despite lifesaving efforts by deputies and paramedics, Keith died shortly after they arrived.

"Based on evidence located at the scene and the results of the autopsy detectives have determined this case to be a double-murder suicide," said Homicide Lt. John Maryon. "At this point in the investigation it appears Mr. Keith and Ms. Stockalper were having some issues in their dating relationship, which may have led to this incident."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

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Apparent murder/suicide claims the lives of three people

By Julie Reeder

WARNER SPRINGS - Sheriff's homicide detectives were investigating an apparent murder/suicide that claimed the lives of two women and one man in Warner Springs, a lieutenant said.

Deputies responded to a call about trouble at a home in the 30600 block of Chihuahua Valley Road that was reported at 6:39 p.m., said sheriff's Lt. John Maryon.

Inside deputies found three people shot, Maryon said. Two of them were women, aged 28 and 64. Both were dead. They also found a 52-year-old man who was wounded and suffering from a life-threatening injury. Paramedics attempted to save the man but he was later pronounced dead.

The names of the three victims were withheld pending notification of next of kin.

According to Maryon, the preliminary investigation indicated this was a murder/suicide. ``We do not believe there are any outstanding suspects,'' he said.

However, Maryon did not explain what led investigators to that conclusion.

Anyone with information on this apparent murder/suicide was asked to call the Homicide detail at (858) 974-2321 or (858) 565-5200, after hours. All tips can be made anonymously.