A Los Angeles deputy city attorney shot and killed his wife and 19-year-old son before turning the gun on himself on Wednesday.
Eric Lertzman, 60, shot and killed his wife, Sandra, 60, in the master bedroom of their house in a suburban neighborhood north of L.A. Lertzman then walked with the gun to his daughter’s room, but she escaped and locked herself in a bathroom, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Lertzman then shot and killed his son, Michael, and returned to the master bedroom where he killed himself. His daughter escaped the house through a window and ran to a neighbor.
“The motive behind this tragic murder-suicide is still under investigation, but investigators believe the recent loss of a loved one and ongoing health issues played a significant role,” the Los Angeles Police Department said. Lertzman’s mother had passed away Aug. 26.
Lertzman had joined the L.A. city attorney’s office in 2005.
“This is a horrible tragedy,” Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said. “As we search for answers to how this could happen, we mourn the victims and envelop those left behind with our love during this time of unbearable loss. Of course we will provide members of our city attorney family with needed counseling and support.”
