San Mateo, California – The San Mateo Police Department has confirmed that the tragic deaths of a Malayali family in the US were the result of a murder-suicide that took place on a Saturday afternoon. The investigation revealed that Alice Benziger died from multiple gunshot wounds, while Anand Henry suffered a single gunshot wound. Anand Henry has been identified as the main suspect, allegedly killing his wife before taking his own life. Fortunately, the children did not perished from gunshots or show signs of physical harm. The motive behind this devastating act is currently under investigation.
According to Jeanine Luna, a Community Relations Officer with the San Mateo Police Department, the cause of death for the children has not been confirmed as pathology results are pending. Speculations suggest that the children may have been poisoned. A 9mm handgun, registered to Anand Henry, was found at the scene, where both Anand and Alice were discovered in the bathroom.
An official statement released by the police disclosed that both Henry and Benziger died from gunshot wounds, with Anand Henry being identified as the suspect following a collaborative investigation. The victims’ identities have been verified through fingerprints for the adults and familial visual identification for the children. Additionally, the police confirmed no history of violence at the residence, aside from previous calls regarding a mountain lion in the yard since 2020.
The San Mateo Police Department emphasized the routine nature of welfare checks, citing various reasons for their implementation, such as concerns raised by neighbors, friends, or family members, signs of distress or unusual activity, and unexplained absences. In this instance, the authorities were alerted after failed attempts to contact the family over the weekend, leading to the tragic discovery of the murder-suicide incident that unfolded on that fateful Saturday afternoon.
As the investigation into this heartbreaking tragedy continues, the community mourns the loss of the Malayali family and grapples with the questions surrounding this devastating event. With the motive still unclear, the San Mateo Police Department remains dedicated to uncovering the truth behind this deeply distressing occurrence.