On Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 8:21 a.m. San Rafael Police Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a resident in the 700 block of Penny Royal Lane in the Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael.  The male caller stated that he had just shot his wife and he intended to shoot himself.

San Rafael Police Department Patrol officers responded to the area and established a perimeter near the residence. On duty members of the San Rafael Crisis Negotiation team responded to the scene.  San Rafael Police requested the assistance of the San Rafael-Novato Regional SWAT team as well as from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.

Crisis Negotiators attempted to establish communication with anyone inside the home and communication efforts were met with no response.  A robot was used to enter the home and observed two people deceased inside the residence.

The decedents have been identified as follows:

     1.  Laurel Doreen BENTLEY-BEARHAM, 91-year-old female, resident of San Rafael

     2.  James Leonard BEARHAM, 73-year-old male, resident of San Rafael

Forensic post mortem examinations have been scheduled for completion today.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigation by the San Rafael Police Department and this office.  No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the San Rafael Police Department.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and personnel of the Coroner Division offers our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Bearham. 

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043