A San Jose mother of two was found dead in her apartment Wednesday afternoon along with her two young boys, aged 4 and 7, whom she apparently killed.
As KPIX/CBS SF reports, the deceased children and the unidentified woman was discovered, possibly hanged, by her husband, and a neighbor then called police around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police responded to the scene on the 5300 block of Dent Avenue in South San Jose, in the Dent Commons complex.
Police say that there were no signs of trauma on the two boys, who were found in bed, and that the cause of death may have been poisoning.
Neighbors tell KPIX that the husband was away for "several days," and came home to find the scene. The neighbors further say that both parents were unemployed, and that the mother — who may have suffered from depression — lost her job at a nail salon several months ago.
Neighbor Wendy Vejar tells KGO/ABC 7 that the husband ran out of the house Wednesday screaming and distraught. "He couldn't explain to me," Vejar said. "He kept saying, 'Help me. Help me. My boys are dead.'" Vejar mentions she thought the young boys may have been suffocated.
Police are still seeking the public's help in this case, and those with knowledge of it are asked to contact Detective Sergeant T.J. Lewis or Detective Brian Meeker of the San Jose Police Department's Homicide Unit at 408-277-5283.
Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867.
If you are in crisis, text "BAY" to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential crisis support from Crisis Text Line. And if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you or they should call the San Francisco Suicide Prevention crisis line at 415-781-0500.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
