Man Is Shot to Death in His Balboa Coves Home

A 55-year-old retiree was shot and killed in his home in the Balboa Coves gated community, investigators said Friday.

William Francis McLaughlin died of several gunshot wounds about 9 p.m. Thursday, Police Sgt. Andy Gonis said.

Police had no suspects. No other information was being released because it might jeopardize the investigation, Gonis said.

Neighbors who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the last time they saw McLaughlin was at a Christmas party last weekend, when he appeared in good spirits.

A next-door neighbor of 20 years described McLaughlin as someone who took very good care of himself and his family. He often jogged around the boardwalk, and neighbors often saw him with his arm around his son, they said.

Before retiring, McLaughlin operated a lucrative medical supply company, selling it several years ago, a neighbor said.

“The last time I talked to him, he had asked me what I wanted for Christmas,” he said. “He was a very nice person, and very strong.”