More details released on deaths of Ojai Valley couple
Ventura County Sheriff's officials released additional details Wednesday about a couple found dead at an Ojai Valley residence on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office released the cause and manner of death.
Shortly after 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, a man had called asking deputies to check on the well-being of his family members in the 1200 block of Cruzero Street, sheriff's officials said.
The call concerned a married couple, identified Thursday by the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office as Hal A. Friedberg, 67, and Lisa C. Phelps, 58. Sheriff's officials had previously provided the names but had listed a different age for Friedberg.
The man had reportedly received a "concerning letter" from the couple, authorities said.
Responding deputies from the Ojai police station found the couple dead at the location. Cruzero Street is in the unincorporated Mira Monte neighborhood south of Meiners Oaks. The sheriff's office provides police services in Ojai and surrounding unincorporated areas.
Detectives from the sheriff's major crimes bureau and the Ojai station investigated, along with an investigator from the medical examiner's office. After getting a search warrant for the property, authorities inspected the scene, where a firearm was recovered.
Authorities believe there are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public.
On Thursday, the medical examiner's office said both had died from gunshot wounds to the head. The manner of death in Phelps' case was deemed a homicide; for Friedberg, suicide. The scenario, including the motive, is still under investigation by sheriff's officials. No other information was being released as of Thursday afternoon.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Meagan Yates at 805-384-4731 or meagan.yates@ventura.org.
If you're feeling despondent, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for both English and Spanish speakers, can be reached by calling 988 or 1-800-273-8255 or can be found on the web at 988lifeline.org.
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Police release more details on deaths of Ojai Valley couple
