Retired deputy police chief and daughter shot dead by husband, investigators say

Pioneering ex-SWAT team leader Ann Mannix, 65, and daughter Katie, 24, believed to have been killed in double murder-suicide by ‘estranged’ spouse, Kevin Mannix, Marin County officers say

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

A pioneering San Francisco deputy police chief and her daughter have been found shot dead at their home beside the body of the former’s husband, who police say they believe is responsible for the deaths as part of a double murder-suicide.

“The preliminary investigation indicates a suspected double-murder suicide involving three individuals,” said Miguel Almaguer, public information officer to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, in an initial statement. “The suspected shooter is male.”

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the person who placed the call managed to escape the scene via a bedroom window and told officers that Kevin Mannix had been drinking red wine that evening. They have so far been identified only as another resident of the property.

The newspaper describes the Mannixes as “estranged” and quotes family friend Marie Hurabiell, a former Democratic congressional candidate, as saying they were considering a divorce. Ann Mannix is also reported as being survived by two adult children.

It also quotes Tony Montoya, a fellow retired sergeant and former president of the Police Officer’s Association, as saying of Kevin Mannix: “He was always well-liked, always had a smile on his face and was easy to talk with. Never in my time on the POA did his name come across my desk in a negative context… My jaw is on the floor like everyone else.”

Louis Wong, current president of the San Francisco POA, said in another statement: “It is with profound sadness, shock, and heavy hearts that we address the devastating news that emerged out of Marin County on Sunday evening.

“The tragic loss of retired deputy chief Ann Mannix, her daughter Katie, and retired sergeant Kevin Mannix in a suspected murder-suicide has left our entire SFPD family reeling.

Hurabiell meanwhile told ABC7: “She acknowledged divorce was not fun or easy, but to have this happen right after she was so full of hope and joy and life.