Spike in murder-suicides seen--all by fathers or men (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Of course it's not politically correct to point out that these kinds of crimes are nearly always committed by men, and often by fathers against their children. It's not really a "tragic coincidence" either--a similar pattern is seen across the county.

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-okla-sees-murdersuicide-spike-20120315,0,3009048.story

Okla. sees murder-suicide spikeKFOR-TV

March 15, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma City father allegedly murders his wife and young daughter before killing himself. The violent incident occurred Tuesday night on the city's northwest side. The crime marks the third murder-suicide in the city in just the last two weeks.

First on Teakwood Rd., Tara Johnston and 1-year-old Allison are found murdered.

Husband and father, Daniel, responsible for the crime, kills himself days later in Las Vegas.

Then overnight this weekend, a violent scene on Williams Port Ave.

Priscilla Dinh is shot and killed; then her husband, Baanh, turns the gun on himself.


"We're in a horrific cycle right now that's got everyone in law enforcement upset," Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater said.

The cycle of violence continued Tuesday night on N.W. 15th St.

Police say Juan De Los Santos killed his wife Claudia and their 5-year-old daughter Evelyn.


"One is too many, but the rate we're seeing is absolutely shocking," Prater said.

"We've had three of them recently. That's an unusually high number. They're not connected, so really it’s just a tragic coincidence," Oklahoma City MSgt. Gary Knight said.

Knight says the latest murder-suicide started when the couple, in the process of divorce, began to argue.

"There's no evidence anyone else is involved. It's a rather straightforward but tragic case for us," Knight said.

"You know, this isn't a thing law enforcement has the ability to be proactive on unless they receive a call," Prater said.

Prater says in most cases, friends or family often see early warning signs of violence.

That's why contacting someone for help can save lives.

"You know, the mantra should be, ‘let's break the silence.’ If a victim can't come forward, let’s do it for them," Prater said.

On average, the state sees more than 80 domestic violence-related homicides each year.

The state does have a Safeline set up where people can make anonymous calls.

That number is 1-800-522-SAFE.