Stephenie Glas Case Closed, Death Ruled Suicide

The months-long investigation into the death of LA City firefighter Stephenie Glas concluded this week, with investigators determining she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in June.

Glas was by her boyfriend Steve Woods at his home in Corral Canyon on June 9. Woods was questioned in the hours after her death, but has been cleared of any suspicion, according to Det. Richard Alvarado of the sheriff's Homicide Bureau.

"Both the [LA County] Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office concurred that Miss Glas unfortunately died of suicide by a self inflicted gunshot," Alvarado said.

Tests also found gunshot residue on Glas' hands, but not on Woods, Alvarado said.

"He didn’t have any gunshot residue," Alvarado said of the test results.

The detective said Woods called 911 immediately when he discovered his girlfriend.

"We just needed to interview him. Based on his statements, the 911 call and neighbors that had heard the gunshot ... It all points to suicide," Alvarado said.

Woods said in a previous interview with Patch that he left his home to cool off after an argument. 

“I was going to go for a walk or get in my car and drive to let some emotions calm down,” Woods said.

He said he heard a gunshot, rushed back inside, and then called 911. 

“I was trying to keep a towel compression on her head," Woods said. "I didn’t know what else to do until the paramedics came."

Alvarado said the coroner finished up a toxicology report on Aug. 20, but that he did not know the contents of the report.

He said Glas did not leave a suicide note, and that he does not know why she chose to kill herself.

"It was tragic unfortunately that she chose to take her life," Alvarado said.