Farmersville Police Department
*UPDATED*
News Release
Case #: 18-0491
Date: 05-21-2018
Crime: Possible Homicide/Suicide
Occurred: 05-19-2018 @ 5:44 PM
300 Block of W. Ashley, Farmersville, CA.
Victim: Mendez, Emma 42-year-old female
Suspect: Ramirez, Antonio 39-year-old male
Further investigation into this case has determined the following:
The Victim Emma Mendez, and Suspect Antonio Ramirez were in a long-term relationship and had children together. They had been separated for several weeks and the victim had come to the residence, occupied by the suspect, to pick up two of their children, a 13-year-old female and 8-year-old male, that were there visiting. While there the suspect and victim went out to the back patio and were arguing. The children advised investigators that at some point during the argument the tone changed, and they went out to the patio to see what was happening. At that time the children observed the suspect, who was now holding a pistol, shoot the victim. The children then ran out through the house and were met in front by a neighbor who saw them in distress and called for law enforcement. It was reported that a second shot was heard as the children were exiting the house and it is believed that this was when the suspect shot himself.
Officers have had prior contact with both Mendez and Ramirez. On the evening of May 18, 2018 officers responded to Ramirez’s call of suspicious vehicles in the area of his home. On May 14, 2018 officers responded to Ramirez’s home for a report of a suspicious vehicle but were told by Ramirez upon arriving that it was a neighbor’s vehicle. And on April 26, 2018 officers responded to a report of a verbal argument at the residence between Mendez and Ramirez, officers contacted and counselled both of parties and Mendez left the residence. Additional prior contacts with both parties were from years earlier and not related to domestic issues.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact Sgt. Ralph Vasquez with the Farmersville Police Department at 559-747-0321.