Clearlake Father Shoots, Kills 3 Kids, Himself: Police

LAKE COUNTY, CA — Authorities believe a Clearlake father fatally shot three of his children and then himself early Sunday, according to police. Ricardo Lopez, 39, reportedly began shooting a firearm at 12:43 a.m. outside of a home in the 4700 block of Yarrington Court.

Lopez's 25-year-old wife ran away to get help and called police after he began shooting, according to Clearlake police Sgt. Timothy Hobbs. When officers arrived, they found Lopez dead in the driveway with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound and in possession of a firearm, according to Hobbs.

Three of the couple's children, ages 9 months, 2 years old and 4 years old, were found dead inside an SUV parked in the driveway.

A fourth child, age 5, was alive in the vehicle and had a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers gave medical aid to the child while waiting for medical personnel to arrive. The child was taken to the Adventist Health Clear Lake hospital and then was flown to an out-of-county hospital.

The child was listed in stable condition on Sunday.

By Bay City News Service

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