Murder suicide in San Tan Valley

On Tuesday at 5:06 p.m. the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting. 

Family members had been concerned because they had not been able to reach other family members who lived in the 1300 block of East Nardini Street in San Tan Valley. Family members went to check on them and knocked on the door but got no response so they used a key and went inside the home.

Once inside, they discovered Gilbert Ramos (age 45) and his wife Sandra Thompson-Ramos had been shot. The family left the residence and called 9-1-1.

Deputies arrived on scene and went into the residence. Gilbert Ramos was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sandra was extremely critical. Also inside the residence were their two children, Nicholas (age 10) and Emma (age 8).  Both children were pronounced deceased at the scene. Gilbert, Sandra, Nicholas and Emma were all shot in the head.

Sandra was treated by medical personnel at the scene and later transported to a local hospital by air ambulance. As of now she is still in extremely critical condition.

Physical evidence at the scene indicated that Gilbert Ramos murdered his wife and two children before turning the gun on himself. It is not clear why Gilbert shot his wife, children and then himself. Results from the medical examiner’s office should determine additional information.

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “This is absolutely a senseless tragedy. The actions of Gilbert Ramos have devastated family, friends and neighbors in this quiet community. Many of the deputies and detectives who responded to this tragedy have young children the same age as Nicholas and Emma. This is a very difficult situation for all.”

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