(Murphys, CA) A
Murphys man identified as Phillip Marshall (54) took the life of his two
juvenile children before taking his own life in an apparent murder-suicide. On
February 2, 2013 at 3:10 pm Calaveras Sheriff’s deputies were called to a
residence on the 1200 block of Sandalwood Drive in the
Forest Meadows subdivision, Murphys, for a suspicious circumstance/welfare
check. The reporting parties, who are friends of the two victims, told
investigators that they had not heard from the victims since Thursday, January
31, 2013. On February 2nd they went to the Marshall’s family residence looking for the
victims. While at the front door of the house they were able to see inside and
saw Phillip Marshall lying on the floor in a pool of blood. They called the
sheriff’s office to report what they saw.
Upon arrival of the initial responding deputies they
observed the man described by the reporting parties. The deputies entered the
home and found the two deceased victims lying on a couch with apparent gunshot
wounds. They also discovered the family dog deceased in a bedroom. The two
victims were identified as 17 year old Alex Marshall and 14 year old Macaila
Marshall. A preliminary examination of the deceased showed that all three suffered
from single gunshot wounds to the head, the weapon being a handgun. The dog had
also been shot. A post-mortem examination will be conducted at a later date to
determine the actual cause of death of the victims and of Phillip Marshall.
The mother of the two victims and estranged wife of Phillip
Marshall, Sean Marshall, was out of the country at the time of the incident.
She was located and notified of the deaths.
Both victims were students at Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp. Additional
details in the investigation will be provided as they develop. The reason for
the murder-suicide is unknown at this time.
