Murder / Suicide in the Valley NR17213dm

Chatsworth: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Division are investigating a Murder/Suicide. On July 17, 2017, around 7:05 a.m., Devonshire Division officers responded to a radio call of a “Death Investigation” in the 10400 block of Canoga Avenue in the City of Chatsworth. Upon arrival, officers met with Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics, who advised there were two deceased individuals inside the residence. The decedents were husband and wife, married for over thirty years with children in common. The husband called 911 to report his wife’s death then hung up the phone. When paramedics arrived at the residence, there was no answer at the door. Paramedics made entry into the residence and discovered a male and female deceased, both sustaining gunshot wounds. There was no evidence of forced entry into the residence, nor any signs of a struggle or ransacking.

Detective’s investigation, as well as evidence at the scene, determined the suspect/husband shot his wife while she was in bed, possibly asleep. He then turned the firearm on himself, committing suicide. The victim was identified as 66-year-old Diane Taylor, and the suspect was identified as 73-year-old Jerry Taylor. Both were residents of Chatsworth.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Dave Peteque, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1934. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.