4 females found dead in San Clemente home

Authorities said this morning that four people -- all females -- were killed in what detectives believe was a domestic dispute in an exclusive gated community in San Clemente.

The females were all believed to be from the same family, and there were reports from the scene that at least one of the victims was a child. They were apparently found lying together in a hallway on the second floor of the home.

The victims have not been identified.

Deputies responded shortly before 2 p.m. Monday on a "welfare check" at a house on Calle Sonador and found the victims inside, said Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

"We are conducting an active death investigation," Amormino said.

He said that the crime was confined to the house. "There's no killer out there," he said. "The incident is contained to that residence."

The incident occurred in the upscale Talega neighborhood in the eastern part of San Clemente.

Neighbors apparently alerted the home's owner about a possible domestic dispute. He then called deputies to check on the residents because he felt like "something just wasn't right," Amormino said.

The owner said the tenant had a house full of visitors.

-- Robert J. Lopez and Shelby Grad

Photo: KTLA

More: Video from KTLA.

Comments

[August]

So many people are SNAPPING.

[C. Tyler]

"There's no killer out there," he said. "The incident is contained to that residence."

Unfortunately, that is not the reality for many women and girls in this country. Unlike the officer quoted above, I think domestic violence is a serious, world-wide problem with far reaching effects.

[Nicole]

Just so sad. I dont understand how people feel that death is the only solution to domestic issues. Very selfish. Especially if there is in fact a child involved.

[SRM]

This is a horrible tragedy relatively unknown in our community. I pray for the family of the victims and hope they can someday move on past this senseless act of violence.

[David N]

Just another holiday butchering in this sick world of ours