The suspect in a triple homicide in Riverside was killed by deputies in San Bernardino County Friday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Saturday.
The unidentified suspect was killed during a “lethal force encounter” Friday afternoon in the town of Needles in San Bernardino County.
Details about how the unidentified suspect was killed were not immediately made available.
Sheriff’s officials also added that an unidentified female who was in the suspect’s vehicle is currently safe and with law enforcement.
The person killed was considered a suspect in a triple-homicide in the city of Riverside, in which the bodies of three people were found following the extinguishing of a fire at a two-story home on the 11200 block of Price Court.
Riverside police officers responded to a call regarding a person in distress and found smoke billowing from inside the home. Neighbors reported hearing a loud altercation and saw a couple arguing in the driveway 30 minutes before the fire was reported.
Firefighters responded and were able to put out the fire, but after searching the property, three bodies were located — one man and two women — with unidentified trauma.
Police later confirmed that the incident was being treated as a crime and homicide detectives had assumed the investigation.
Officials believe the fire is not what caused the victims’ deaths. The age and identities of the deceased have not yet been released.
A candlelight vigil was held by the community on Saturday to remember the victims.
A spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is ongoing and involves several law enforcement agencies, which will require additional time to confirm many of the details of the case.
