Murder-Suicide in West Valley NR09257kr

Los Angeles:  Two people were found shot to death Sunday afternoon in what is being investigated as a murder-suicide.

On Sunday, May 31, 2009, at around 12:35 p.m., 41-year-old Pedro Papia was embroiled in an  argument with Rosa Valencia, 35-years of age, at their home in the 4800 block of Haskell Avenue.  Papia and Valencia’s three young children, ages 5, 10, and 12 years were in another room of the home when they heard loud arguing followed by the sounds of gunfire.  The children went to their parent’s room and discovered both parents suffering from gunshot wounds.

All three children ran from the home while the oldest child called 911 from a cordless phone.  A neighbor cared for the children until police arrived.  The children were subsequently released to the care of other family members.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Valley Homicide Detectives Sammy Hancock or Gregory Crowe at 818-374-7730.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.