2 Dead in Menifee Murder-Suicide by Gunshot

A man and woman were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide by gunshot Sunday night in Menifee, authorities said Monday.

Sheriff's deputies were dispatched at about 10:07 p.m. Sunday to the 33000 block of Merrritt Road—just off Scott Road near the Menifee-Murrieta city borders—for a domestic disturbance.

"While en route to the call deputies were advised that shots had been fired at the location," sheriff's Sgt. Jeff Buompensiero stated in a news release. "Upon arrival deputies located a deceased female and a deceased male in the front yard of the residence."

Homicide investigators were called to the scene and determined the man shot and killed the woman and then shot and killed himself, Buompensiero stated.

The woman was identified as Debra Vandyke, 49, of Menifee.

Authorities were withholding the identity of the 68-year-old man, also of Menifee, until family members were notified.

Anyone with information concerning the investigation was encouraged to contact Investigator Espinoza at the Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3500.