Deputies Kill Ex-Mental Patient Suspected of Triple Murder

PORTERVILLE, Calif. — A former mental patient who authorities say fatally stabbed three people and set one victim’s house on fire early Sunday was shot and killed by deputies when he lunged at them with a knife, a Tulare County sheriff’s lieutenant said.

A fourth victim was in critical condition at a hospital, said Lt. David Williams.

Syphevaug Souvannasinh, 45, of Porterville began the rampage in a quiet neighborhood shortly after midnight, authorities said.

Law enforcement authorities described Souvannasinh as a former mental patient. An investigation was continuing.

The first victim, Jean N. Elmore, 57, was stabbed in her house before it was set on fire, officials said. Her body was found by authorities in the gutted home, Williams said.

Souvannasinh fled over a fence to another home, where he fatally stabbed Milo Jenkins, 79, Williams said. Souvannasinh also wounded Jenkins’ wife, Louise, 78, who was taken to Sierra View District Hospital, Williams said.

Jenkins’ neighbor, Rudy Pino, 48, apparently ran over to help the elderly couple but was fatally stabbed, the lieutenant said.

Souvannasinh hid in a trailer parked in a driveway, then was shot by deputies when he lunged at them with a large knife.