Apparent 'Suicide Pact' Led To Elderly Couple's Deaths In Yucca Valley

YUCCA VALLEY, CA — An apparent suicide pact between an elderly couple remains under investigation Monday after their bodies were discovered in their Yucca Valley home, according to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department.

John Wayne Doughty and Lari Doughty, both 82, were found dead around 12:30 p.m. Friday inside the home in the 7000 block of Aster Avenue.

A deputy was initially called to the residence for a welfare check. Upon arrival, the law enforcement officer walked around the home's exterior and saw the motionless decedents through a window.

After entering the residence, homicide detectives discovered both victims died from apparent gunshot wounds, and a firearm was found in John's hand, according to the sheriff's department.

"Detectives determined that John shot Lari before killing himself, in an apparent joint suicide pact," the sheriff's department reported.

Further details were not disclosed.

Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact the sheriff's Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.

If you are struggling or know someone who is, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The hotline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.