Father killed stepdaughter then himself in SLO County shooting, sheriff says

Stephanie Zappelli, Chloe Jones
·2 min read

Editor’s note: This story mentions suicide.

A father shot his stepdaughter then himself on Wednesday in Creston, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release on Thursday.

Creston resident Maria Quesada, 40, called 911 at about 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday while “involved in a family disturbance” in a home with her stepfather, 60-year-old Arturo Quesada, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The sheriff’s dispatch reported hearing what sounded like gun shots in the background of the phone call, the news release said.

Sheriff’s deputies immediately traveled to the home on the 2700 block of Highway 58, also known as Calf Canyon Highway.

They found Maria and Arturo Quesada dead in the home, the Sheriff’s Office said.

“At this time, it is believed this is a murder-suicide where Arturo shot and killed Maria and then killed himself,” the Sheriff’s Office said in the news release.

This is an ongoing investigation, and there is no threat to the public at this time, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Ambulance and Cal Fire responded to a report of shots fired at a home off Highway 58 near Creston on Dec. 20, 2023. The private drive was blocked off as investigators responded to the scene. David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
The Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, San Luis Ambulance and Cal Fire responded to a report of shots fired at a home off Highway 58 near Creston on Dec. 20, 2023. The private drive was blocked off as investigators responded to the scene. David Middlecamp/dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

How to get help

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 988.

You can also call the Central Coast Hotline at 800-783-0607 for 24-7 assistance. To learn the warning signs of suicide, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.