Family Argument Leaves 2 Wounded

A family quarrel erupted in a shooting Monday evening at a Westminster apartment complex, leaving one man seriously wounded and his son-in-law clinging to life.

The 6:42 p.m. shooting was the climax of a confrontation between Marcos Soria and his father-in-law, who had banished him from the family’s home in the 14200 block of Locust Street two days earlier, other family members said Monday evening.

Soria, also of Westminster, shot his father-in-law, Francisco Ramos, about 55, three times before turning the .38-caliber pistol on himself, relatives and police said. Ramos’ toddler grandson, who was in the room at the time of the shooting, ran outside screaming, “He’s dead! He’s dead,” neighbors said.

Soria was reported in critical condition Monday night at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital & Medical Center, where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to the head.

Ramos, who police said suffered three gunshot wounds, was taken to Humana Hospital in Westminster, where he was listed in fair condition.

Police Sgt. Bill Lewis said investigators had not yet determined late Monday what provoked the attack.

According to Pedro Campos, 35, a brother-in-law of Ramos, the older man had been quarreling with his son-in-law for some time. Two days ago, Campos said, Ramos ordered his son-in-law not to return to the family’s home. According to Campos, the son-in-law was enraged because he had split up with his wife, Ramos’ daughter, who was staying at her father’s apartment.

The shooting occurred moments after Ramos told his 12-year-old granddaughter, Lucy, and a neighbor friend to go outside and play, the 13-year-old friend, Erica Garcia, said. Ramos remained inside, reading on the couch, and his young grandson remained in the room, Erica said. The son-in-law was not in the apartment at the time, and apparently came in a rear entrance, she said.

“We heard gunshots, which sounded like firecrackers. And then Lucy’s granddad came out bleeding. He said, ‘Call the police,’ ” Erica said.

Ramos, a Mexican national, had lived in the apartment complex for 10 years and was retired from a laborer’s job, neighbors said. He was described as a “very good man” who routinely offered a helping hand to others in need.

“He had no enemies,” one neighbor said.