Watch CBS News

Suspected Murder-Suicide Leaves Friends, Family In Shock In Davis

DAVIS (CBS13) — A quiet Davis community is searching for answers after a fourth-year veterinary student at UC Davis was found shot to death in a home in a possible murder-suicide.

"It's really really horrible that this happened and I think a lot of us are just in shock," said Anjolie Daryani.

Police say a suspected shooter called 911 on Thursday night, reporting two people had been shot inside the home. With little information to go on, they thought it was an ambush and set up a perimeter. But it wasn't long before the investigation pointed to a murder-suicide.

"If it had to do with depression or mental illness, it's something that leaves everyone wondering why," said Lt. Tom Waltz.

The bodies of Whitney Engler, 27, and her roommate Joe Hein, 23, were found inside the home.

Hein's uncle says he simply doesn't get it. He says Hein worked at his parents' Davis shop for six years.

"He was a great kid; lets leave it at that. He was wonderful," said Kevin Wheeler.

The only one who may know what happened in the home is Engler's dog Rosie. Friends believe Rosie got away when a police robot went into the house. Now about 100 of her friends are combing the neighborhood looking for her.

Friends say they'll continue the search for Rosie on Saturday, and they plan to gather that night for a candlelight vigil outside the Davis Veterinary Hospital.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.