A suspected murder-suicide occurred last Thursday night at a Stone Oak apartment complex, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Vernon Bonillas, 59, and Julie Harrel, 60, according to FOX San Antonio. A woman inside the apartment reportedly witnessed part of the incident as an argument escalated into violence.
Authorities responded to a report at The Abbey at Stone Oak Apartment Homes, near Stone Oak Parkway and U.S. Highway 281. A witness told police that after hearing an argument and gunfire, they found Vernon Bonillas with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and Julie Harrel lying motionless
Upon arrival at the apartment unit, San Antonio Police Department personnel discovered both Bonillas and Harrel deceased. Investigators are examining whether the two may have been in a dating relationship. The medical examiner, as detailed by KSAT, determined Bonillas' death was a suicide resulting from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, while Harrel's death was ruled a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
The San Antonio Police Department is treating the incident as isolated and reports there is no immediate threat to the public. Additional details from the investigation are forthcoming. Resources for individuals affected by domestic violence are available, and KSAT provides information on their Domestic Violence webpage.
