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The Pleasanton Police Department released new information regarding Thursday’s murder-suicide case, saying a man forced his way into his estranged girlfriend’s house at the Las Positas Gardens townhouse development and shot her several times before taking his own life on the freeway.
Lt. Erik Silacci stated in a press release on Friday afternoon that the woman was a Pleasanton resident who was home alone when fatally attacked by her estranged boyfriend, with whom she had a child. The department declined to release names of either the suspect or victim, citing confidentiality laws around domestic violence.
“This is a tragic incident,” Chief David Swing said in a statement. “The city of Pleasanton remains committed to supporting victims of domestic violence. We encourage those in an abusive relationship and those affected by domestic violence to contact their local police department or local advocacy group for assistance.”
Police said that the murder-suicide unfolded at approximately 11:10 a.m. Thursday (March 7). According to Silacci, the suspect forced his way into the victim’s home by entering through the rear door slider of the house, located on Saginaw Circle.
Silacci alleged the suspect shot the woman several times during a confrontation before leaving the scene in a car.
A neighbor called police to report gunshot sounds and provided a description of the vehicle. When officers arrived at the house just moments later, they found her dead inside her home, according to Silacci.
After receiving the description of the car, an officer in an unmarked PPD vehicle saw the suspect’s car as it approached the I-580 going westbound and began following it. According to Silacci, the suspect’s vehicle later struck with the center median on the freeway and came to a stop in the area of I-580 and Miramonte Avenue in San Leandro.
Police said they attempted to communicate with the suspect but that he was unresponsive. Officers then deployed less-lethal munitions and gas into the vehicle but after they once again saw no response, they approached the vehicle to find out that the suspect had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Silacci.
In declining to publicly identify those involved, the lieutenant said the family is asking for privacy as they mourn their loss, and the child of the victim and suspect is now with relatives.
Silacci also stated that if you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence abuse, call the department at 925-931-5100 or to contact Tri-Valley Haven’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 800-884-8119.
