Sonoma County sheriffs deputy, detention specialist killed in apparent murder-suicide

Jeremy Lyle, an off-duty Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputy, fatally shot his partner, Mari Bonnici, at her Santa Rosa apartment on Sunday evening before taking his own life in the coroner's office parking lot. Authorities found Bonnici, 38, with at least one gunshot wound while her twin toddlers were discovered unharmed nearby. Lyle, 44, handed a baby to a resident, asking her to call 911, indicating that the child's mother was hurt. Both Lyle and Bonnici worked for the sheriff’s department, with Bonnici serving as a detention specialist. Investigators believe the couple had a domestic partnership prior to their separation and are treating the incident as a case of domestic violence, though there had been no prior reports.

The couple shared three children, who are now in the care of family members. This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence, particularly involving law enforcement personnel. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this incident and its implications for local families.