Pasadena Star-News (California)
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DUARTE, Calif. — A Monrovia firefighter and his wife have been identified as the two people killed Tuesday in the parking lot at City of Hope National Medical Center, according to the Monrovia Fire Department. Fire Captain Fernando Rodriguez, 41, died after being taken to a hospital after security guards discovered his body and that of a woman who was apparently his wife lying in the employee parking lot with gunshot wounds.
Although her identity has yet to be released, Dick Singer, spokesman for Monrovia Fire said she was believed to be Rodriguez’ wife. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the shooting, which occurred around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, but could not be reached immediately for comment.
Officials with City of Hope said it was the first shooting in the facility’s 93-year history but said patient services were uninterrupted.
Rodriguez began his career at the Monrovia Fire Department in 1990 and was promoted to captain in 1995, according to Singer.
All Monrovia Fire personnel were recalled from their duty stations and training exercises after the department learned of Rodiguez’ death.
Detective have not publicly said whether they believe the shooting was a murder-suicide, but had not ruled out the possibility and were not seeking any suspects.