Autopsies Scheduled on 2 Slaying Victims

Autopsies were expected to be conducted today on the bodies of entertainment executive Jose Menendez and his wife, who were slain Sunday night in their Beverly Hills mansion.

Bob Dambacher, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner, said the autopsies on Menendez, 45, and his wife, Mary Louise (Kitty) Menendez, 44, could provide information on how the couple were shot to death.

The Beverly Hills Police Department has declined to comment on its investigation of the shootings. Officials will not say whether there are any suspects in the case.

Also, police will not describe the weapon with which the couple were shot several times.

“We are looking into many aspects in this case,” said police spokesman Lt. Robert Curtis. “Whether it’s robbery or revenge or business-related, we don’t know. There are many possible avenues.”

Menendez, chief executive officer and chairman of LIVE Entertainment Inc. of Van Nuys, a video and production firm, once headed RCA/Ariola records as well as U.S. rental car operations for Hertz Corp.

Approximately 49% of LIVE’s stock is owned by Los Angeles-based Carolco Pictures, which has produced actor Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo films.

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Correction

Mary Louise (Kitty) Menendez was 47 when she died, not 44.

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