Authorities investigating the case of an elderly couple who died inside their Bermuda Dunes residence announced Thursday that new evidence suggests a possible murder-suicide.
Deputies responded to a report of a welfare check at 11:59 a.m. Friday in the 79000 block of Montego Bay Drive, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
They found Donald Whitaker, 80, and Karen Whitaker, 79, suffering from traumatic injuries. The two were pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests were made and investigators were still working on identifying any suspects involved.
According to Sgt. Mike Kelleher, Karen “had fallen victim to financial elder abuse,” and there was no evidence that indicated the alleged financial abuse was tied to the couple’s death.
“The evidence suggests this was a murder-suicide,” Kelleher said regarding the homicide investigation.
Joy Miedecke, a friend of the Whitakers, believed Karen was targeted in an online scam in which she allegedly sent thousands of dollars to a person impersonating actor Tom Selleck, KESQ-TV reports.
The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to call 951-955-2777.