Santa Monica couple identified in Pico Boulevard murder-suicide

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has identified the couple found dead September 26 inside a home in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard as Nicole Rabitzsch, 47, and Hendrik Rabitzsch, 48.

Santa Monica police said Hendrik Rabitzsch fatally shot his wife before taking his own life. Investigators determined the shooting occurred at about 6:42 a.m. Both died of gunshot wounds to the head, according to the medical examiner.

Officers went to the residence that evening to conduct a welfare check. They entered the home and found the couple dead. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Police said no one else is believed to have been involved. Authorities described the deaths as an isolated incident and said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The case is the second murder-suicide reported in Santa Monica this year. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department watch commander at 310-458-8427.