Santa Monica Experiences Second Murder-Suicide in Five Months
A local couple was discovered dead in their home in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide, mirroring a similar tragedy earlier this year.
Santa Monica is once again grappling with a tragic murder-suicide, as a local couple was found dead in their home Saturday night. This incident marks the second such event in the coastal community this year, following a similar tragedy in April.
Authorities identified the deceased as Nicole Rabitzsch, 47, and her husband, Hendrick Rabitzsch, 48. They were discovered in their residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard. Both individuals had sustained gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators believe Hendrick Rabitzsch fatally shot his wife before taking his own life.
The Santa Monica Police Department stated that a firearm was recovered at the scene and that no other individuals are believed to have been involved. "This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public," the department said.
Police were alerted to the situation when they responded to a welfare check at the home around 9:40 p.m. Saturday. Investigators estimate the shooting may have occurred earlier that morning, around 6:42 a.m.
Nicole Rabitzsch had a career spanning nearly 13 years at an Audi dealership in downtown Los Angeles and had previously worked for the automaker in Germany for over five years, according to her LinkedIn profile.
This recent tragedy echoes an incident in April when Jeremy Ferguson, a senior nonprofit executive involved in downtown Santa Monica's business and placemaking efforts, and his wife were found dead from gunshot wounds in their home. Ferguson had previously served as the mayor of Milwaukie, Oregon, from 2009 to 2015.
Anyone with additional information regarding the Pico Boulevard incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.