Dad strangles seven-year-old son before killing himself in murder-suicide

02 June 2023 , 16:04

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A California father has strangled his 7-year-old before taking his own life in a similar manner as part of a murder-suicide, according to authorities. (Image: FOX 11)

A California father allegedly strangled his 7-year-old son before taking his own life, police have said.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office confirmed the disturbing details of the murder-suicide after the after the incident on Tuesday (may 30) evening.

Emergency services were alerted just before 7 p.m. when a distressing 911 call came in, reporting a possible suicide at a residence on Chiquita Lane in Thousand Oaks.

Deputies swiftly responded to the call and discovered a man, identified as Blaine Paddock, and his young son unresponsive inside their home.

Blaine Paddock was found unresponsive alongside his young son, whose name has not been released, at their home (FOX 11)

Despite immediate medical attention, Paddock was pronounced dead at the scene, while his son was rushed to Los Robles Regional Medical Center. Tragically, the young child was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

Following the incident, the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office conducted autopsies on both the father and son. Authorities have ruled Paddock's manner of death as suicide.

Detectives from the sheriff's Major Crimes Unit promptly executed a search warrant at Paddock's residence.

The father was pronounced dead at the scene (FOX 11)

Although they did not disclose any specific findings or the presence of a suicide note, investigators emphasized that they do not believe any additional suspects are involved in the tragic murder-suicide.

At this stage, no motive has been determined for the shocking act, leaving friends, neighbors, and the community searching for answers.

Lucy Williamson