Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Crestline, CA: Sheriffs say wife, grandson killed in murder suicide

A man found his wife and 9-year-old grandson dead from gunshot wounds inside his home Monday night, an incident sheriff's investigators say was a murder suicide.

James Snyder called 9-1-1 about 5:30 p.m. after he entered his home in the 500 block of Springy Path and found the victims.

The couple's grandson has not been named.

"They've had custody of the grandson since birth," said San Bernardino County sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller.

Investigators are searching for the child's mother before releasing his identity.

Sheriff's officials say 50-year-old Denise Snyder shot her grandson and then turned the gun on herself.

A motive in the shooting is not known.

Pumpkins and various knickknacks lined the upper deck of the white and green house. A hand-painted sign that reads "So this isn't home sweet home ... Adjust!" was attached to a wall beside the front door.

Another decorative sign that said "The Snyders" lay nearby.

Construction materials were piled alongside several vehicles in the driveway. Neighbors said the family lived in the home for only a couple months.

Tucked along the short, quiet street is a Baptist church and a flower shop.

Dana Wingad, 59, who lives on nearby Hillside Drive, said he was thinking about buying the home because it was selling for a low price. But when the Snyders bought it instead, he drove by and welcomed them to the neighborhood after they moved in.

He had no idea there had been a shooting in the home.

In the three years he's lived in the area, Wingad said the worst thing that's happened is someone tried to steal his car carrier.

"I just feel awful," he said.


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