On Friday July 14, 2023, at approximately 4:30 PM multiple phone calls to 9-1-1 were received reporting gunfire being heard in the area of Martin Dive near Lovejoy Way, Novato.  Upon arrival at the scene, Novato Police Department Officers located a male victim down to the rear of a residence, in addition to an unresponsive dog, who both appeared unconscious and unresponsive with apparent firearm injuries.  Paramedics were summoned to the scene, and the subject was determined to be in cardiopulmonary arrest.  His death was pronounced on the scene without resuscitative aid rendered.  The dog also succumbed to traumatic injuries incurred within the incident. Preliminary investigation suggests the victim and suspect were known to each other having been roommates and having a dispute over their housing arrangements.

The victim has been positively identified as:                                                   

Ray Allen MAYS, a 47-year-old male from Novato, CA.

A forensic postmortem examination with toxicology testing is being completed today, Monday July 17, 2023. The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the Novato Police Department and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division.  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 Novato Police Department.

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

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding 

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043