California Murder-Suicide: Man Kills 9-Year-Old Son Before Shooting Self

In a murder-suicide incident in San Francisco, a man killed his 9-year-old son before shooting himself.

The police said the bodies of the victims were found Wednesday afternoon. Police sources told news outlet KTVU the boy's parents had been involved in several legal battles dating back about five years.

The duo reportedly had a recent argument over getting their son vaccinated. While the mother wanted her son to get the shots, the father did not.

On Wednesday, the mother arrived at her son's school only to learn he had not been to his class.

The mother, who has not been identified, told the police she went to the father's home and found the shades drawn. Despite calling out several times, there was no response from anyone inside. She then informed the police who entered the home to find both father and son dead.

"My heart hurts and I am absolutely devastated for the little boy who lost his life in a tragic murder-suicide in the Marina last night. This past year has been an extraordinarily stressful one, and it has reminded me -- time and again -- why we need tighter gun laws and a much stronger mental healthcare system. If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal ideation, please know that there is no shame in seeking help at 415-781-0500," District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani said in a statement.

The identity of the victims has not been revealed.

In a recent incident in December 2019 in Indiana, a 25-year-old man fatally shot his mother before killing himself. The police arrived at the scene after receiving information about a shooting incident. The caller informed the police their friend told them he had shot his mother multiple times.

When the officers arrived at the scene, they "were able to hear what they believed to be one gunshot," Brownsburg Police Department Captain Jennifer Pyatt-Barrett said in a statement at the time. When authorities entered the home, they found the man dead in the living room with a self-inflicted wound. The police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the murder-suicide.