A California husband and wife were found dead inside their Santa Monica home in what police say was a murder-suicide.
The couple was identified as Nicole Rabitzsch, 47, and her husband, Hendrik Rabitzsch, 48.
Santa Monica police were called to a residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard on Saturday, Sept. 26, to conduct a welfare check.
Officers entered the home at about 9:40 p.m. and discovered both Nicole and Hendrik dead inside.
Detectives later determined that Hendrik fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself, according to police.
Investigators believe the shooting actually occurred much earlier that morning, at approximately 6:42 a.m.
A firearm was recovered inside the residence.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined that both Nicole and Hendrik died from gunshot wounds to the head.
Nicole’s manner of death was ruled a homicide, while Hendrik’s was ruled a suicide.
Police said investigators found no evidence that anyone else was involved in the deaths.
“This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public,” the Santa Monica Police Department said.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed what may have led to the shooting or what prompted someone to request the welfare check later that evening.
Nicole reportedly had spent years working in the automotive industry, including nearly 13 years at an Audi dealership in downtown Los Angeles after previously working for the company in Germany.
Few other details about the couple or the circumstances preceding their deaths have been released.
The investigation remains open, and police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Santa Monica Police Department.
What began as a routine welfare check ended with officers discovering a husband and wife dead inside their home, leaving investigators to piece together what happened in the hours before they were found.
