Woman Dies From Gunshot Wound

A woman found Monday in a pool of blood died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

The 49-year-old woman was discovered Monday evening, about 6:49 p.m., by an ex-boyfriend on Via Carino. The story, , indicated that the decedent was found by a female friend.

A handgun was found near the body. The victim died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

"While the investigation continues, early indications are that she had suffered what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound," said Lt. Brian Schmutz of the Orange County Sheriff and the chief of police services in Rancho Santa Margarita.

"These situations are so tragic because of the depths of despair that people feel, it's so overwhelming that they act without consideration or thought to how profoundly their death will shake the lives of their family and friends. There are many resources out there to help, from counseling services to the sympathetic ear of a loved one.  I hope that anyone contemplating suicide will confide in a friend or family member and seek help.”

Some resources available to those considering suicide include:

• The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org, 866-488-7386
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org
• Suicide Prevention Network: www.spanusa.org
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: www.sprc.org
• American Association of Suicidology: www.suicidology.org