Murder-Suicide Investigation

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, July 18, 2000

"Murder-Suicide Investigation"

Chatsworth – On July 16, 2000, at 11:15am, an employee of the Chatsworth Park Convalescent Home, located at 10610 Owensmouth Avenue, heard two gunshots that came from the rear parking lot of the complex. The employee responded to that location and observed two victims of what appeared to be gunshot wounds. A female victim was slumped over in a wheelchair and a male victim was lying next to her on the asphalt. A handgun was located on the asphalt in close proximity to the victims.

Police and Paramedics were summoned and the victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment of a single gunshot wound to the head. Both victims failed to respond to treatment and died as a result of their injuries.

Devonshire Homicide Detectives are conducting the investigation . Detectives have determined that the victims, who are husband and wife, were in poor health. Investigators believe that the husband shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. Although early in the investigation, it is felt that poor health is the motive for this tragic incident.

The victims, William Wagler Sr, was 79 years of age and his wife Julia, was 86 years of age.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

For Release 1:00 pm PDT
July 18, 2000