A UCLA student was found dead Monday morning in his family’s home in Porter Ranch, Calif.
Krishna Rajaram, a second-year business economics student, was found in the master bedroom of the house in the San Fernando Valley gated community, allegedly killed by his father in what authorities have said was a murder-suicide.
Rajaram’s father, 45-year-old Karthik Rajaram, shot and killed his wife, 39-year old Subasri Rajaram, his 69-year-old mother-in-law, and his three sons, including Krishna Rajaram, before turning the gun on himself, Los Angeles Police Department authorities said.
The two younger sons were students in the Los Angeles Unified School District, officials said.
Authorities at the scene said all of the victims were found in bedrooms throughout the house, each having sustained gunshot wounds to the head.
The shootings took place some time after 6 p.m. Saturday, said LAPD officials in a televised press conference Monday.
Concerned that something might have been wrong, family friends contacted police Monday morning when Subasri Rajaram did not show up for a carpool to work.
According to LAPD officials, the gunman prepared three suicide letters, which were found at the scene.
The first letter, addressed to the police, outlined the shooter’s recent financial troubles, the apparent cause of the killings. The second letter was of a much more personal nature and addressed other financial and personal troubles. The third letter was a will and testament, authorities said.
Rajaram, who authorities said held a master’s in business administration, had previously been employed by Price Waterhouse and Sony Pictures, but had reportedly been unemployed for several months.
Authorities said that the handgun used in the shootings was purchased on Sept. 16 and was found in the shooter’s hand at the scene.
In a brief statement released Monday evening, Chancellor Gene Block expressed his regrets and condolences for the Rajarams’ loss, and said that counseling will be available on the Hill for students in need.