San Mateo, California – Authorities have announced that the tragic death of a Malayali family in the US has been determined to be a case of murder-suicide. The incident took place on a Saturday afternoon, involving Alice Benziger and Anand Henry. It has been revealed that Benziger succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while Henry suffered from a single shot. As the investigation unfolds, it has been suggested that Henry may have killed his wife before taking his own life. Fortunately, the children in the family did not perish due to gunfire or physical harm, leaving investigators puzzled about the motive behind this tragedy.
In light of the ongoing investigation, Jeanine Luna, a Community Relations Officer with the San Mateo Police Department, mentioned that the exact cause of death for the children has yet to be confirmed, pending further forensic examination. Speculations have arisen that the children may have been poisoned, adding another layer of complexity to the already devastating situation. A registered 9mm handgun was recovered from the scene, belonging to Anand Henry. The firearm was discovered in the bathroom where both Henry and Benziger were found lifeless.
According to a statement released by law enforcement officials, both Henry and Benziger succumbed to gunshot wounds, with Henry being identified as the primary suspect in this tragic event. Through meticulous collaboration between the San Mateo Police Department, San Mateo County Crime Lab, and the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office, authorities have been able to piece together crucial information about the sequence of events leading to the family’s demise. The identities of the adults were confirmed through fingerprints, while the children were identified through visual familial matching.
Amidst the investigation, it has been noted that there is no history of violence within the household, adding to the mystery surrounding the tragic incident. San Mateo Police Department’s interactions with the family prior to the event were limited to non-violent incidents, such as reports of a mountain lion in the yard. The absence of any distress signals from the family prompted a welfare check, a routine procedure carried out for various reasons to ensure the well-being and safety of residents. The department’s quest for answers regarding the motive behind this heartbreaking incident continues as they seek closure and understanding in the aftermath of this devastating loss.