Three dead in apparent murder-suicide in Hacienda Heights

A shooting that left three people dead in Hacienda Heights is being investigated as a murder-suicide, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said.

Deputies responded to a call of a shooting inside a home shortly before 9 a.m. in the 15900 block of Ladysmith Street. When they arrived, they found two people dead and a third in critical condition, suffering from a gunshot wound. The third victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.

Lt. Dave Dolson said the victims -- two women and a man -- appeared to be related and between the ages of 50 and 80.

“Our preliminary information shows it’s essentially a murder-suicide situation,” Dolson said.

One woman was found in a bedroom and the other in the living room. The man was found in the backyard. Additionally, he said, a handgun and shotgun were found near the man.

It’s unknown how many gunshots were fired.

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