Jeremy Ferguson, a director with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., and his wife were discovered with gunshot wounds Tuesday morning at a home in Venice in what law enforcement sources describe as a possible murder-suicide. Investigators responded to the scene but have not disclosed a motive. The case has drawn attention across both the Santa Monica business community and Venice neighborhoods as authorities continue to process what happened.
What investigators say
According to NBC Los Angeles, Ferguson emailed a friend a suicide note and included instructions on how to get into the house. That friend went to the home and called police. NBC's sources say officials believe Ferguson shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself, and that investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide. The outlet also reported that a possible motive has not been disclosed.
About Ferguson and Downtown Santa Monica
Ferguson is listed as the Director of Operations & Placemaking for Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., in the staff directory for Downtown Santa Monica. The nonprofit works with the city to manage the Third Street Promenade and to support downtown business and community initiatives.
Investigation status
Officials have not released additional details about the timeline or motive, and detectives continue to investigate the scene, NBC Los Angeles reports. Local law enforcement agencies and coroner procedures typically follow in cases like this, and authorities say they will provide updates when information is cleared for release.
Support and resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for chat and resources. Local mental health providers and community groups can also help people affected by traumatic incidents.
