Three dead in apparent double murder-suicide in El Monte
An El Monte man apparently killed his daughter and her girlfriend before turning the gun on himself in a double murder-suicide, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday.
Los Angeles County coroner’s officials identified the three dead as Harry Maldonado Jr., 65, Evie Maldonado, 32, and Diana Amaya, 38. They were found shot to death inside the garage of an apartment complex, where they lived together with other relatives, said Lt. Eddie Hernandez of the sheriff’s homicide bureau.
The shooting was reported Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at an apartment at 9935 Marshall St., authorities said. El Monte police officers went to the apartment but were told the shooter and the two victims were in the garage. The three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members told investigators the women were domestic partners and had often argued.
“This time, for whatever reason, Harry interjected himself between the two females,” Hernandez said. “What we know is that somehow this escalated the event and Harry armed himself with a handgun.”
Hernandez said Harry Maldonado shot his daughter and Amaya before turning the gun on himself. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Investigators said they did not know to whom the gun was registered, but that it may have belonged to Harry Maldonado, who was a Vietnam veteran. The investigation was ongoing.
Last June, Amaya expressed on her Facebook page her exhaustion over her relationship with Evie Maldonado. Her comment read in part, “At times you can be the best loving woman when you want to be.”
One of Amaya’s daughters went to Facebook on Wednesday to grieve the loss of her mother.
“I miss you so much mommy, words can’t explain how I feel right now,” Christina Valderas wrote. “I wish I can go back in time and save you and Evie Maldonado. I love you…”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
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