NBC Bay Area confirmed Monday morning that the four people found dead inside a San Mateo home were a married couple and 4-year-old twin boys.
Police announced Tuesday that they are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide. The identities of the four people have not yet been officially announced.
Friends identified the couple as Anand Sujith Henry and Alice Benziger. According to court records, her husband filed for divorce in December 2016, but it appears that the divorce was not finalized.
Police say they have been called to the home several times in the past, but have not disclosed the details of the calls. No notes were left at the scene, and police are not investigating a motive at this time.
According to police, around 9:15 a.m. Monday, officers responded to a residence in the 4100 block of Alameda de las Pulgas to conduct a welfare check.
Police said when they arrived at the home and there was no answer, officers searched the area but found no signs of forced entry. They eventually found an unlocked window and went inside, finding four people dead.
Police said the boys were found in a bedroom. Their causes of death are still under investigation.
Because there were no signs of trauma on the boys' bodies, police believe the boys were suffocated, strangled or given a fatal overdose, according to people with direct knowledge of the investigation. .
Police said the man and woman were found inside the bathroom. Both suffered gunshot wounds.
Police said a 9mm handgun and a loaded magazine were found in the bathroom.
Police say the death appears to be an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.
“We believe the person responsible was inside the home,” police said in a statement.
Neighbors said the couple had lived in the home for more than four years and were friendly. The two often walked around the neighborhood together and looked like a happy family.
“It's definitely loving,” Phyllis Hariri said. “Before the baby was born, it was common to see husbands and wives just taking them for walks during pregnancy, and then once the baby was born, they would just take them out for a walk.”
Investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chat with us on Live Chat. 988lifeline.org.You can also visit SpeakerOfSuicide.com/Resources for additional support.