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Crime News Breaking News

Former California Deputy Suspected Of ‘Brutally’ Stabbing And Beating Three To Death, Including His Mom And Sister

After a bloody scene was found in the Orcutt, California home, deputies entered the house to find suspect David McNabb armed.

By Jill Sederstrom

A former California sheriff’s deputy is accused of stabbing and beating three people to death before dying in a fatal confrontation with law enforcement.

David Gerald McNabb allegedly killed his sister Nicole McNabb, 34, his mother Melanie McNabb, 64,  and Carlos Echavarria, 63, all of whom lived in the Orcutt, California home, on Friday in a "tragic" triple homicide, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

"A motive for this deadly rampage is unknown at this time and is under investigation," a statement from the sheriff's office said.

Deputies were called to the scene just after 8 p.m. Friday night after a woman had gone into the home.

"She discovered a victim covered in blood in a bathtub, fled the residence and called for help," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

When law enforcement arrived at the California home, they soon realized the suspect was still inside — and armed with a rifle.

After learning that other people were inside the home as well, a specialized unit decided to enter the house and rescue any other potential victims. At first, McNabb was shot with “less lethal munitions” before cops decided to use live bullets, the sheriff’s office said.

All three victims were found dead inside the home and had been "brutally stabbed and beaten to death."

After notifying the next of kin in the slaying, the sheriff's office identified the victims and cited McNabb as the suspected killer.

The sheriff's office has called the triple homicide a "horrific act of violence" and sent it's "heartfelt condolences" to the family and friends of those killed.

McNabb had reportedly worked as a custody deputy working with inmates for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office from July 2001 to March 2012, when the sheriff's office said he "voluntarily resigned."

Later that year, in September 2012, he was arrested by the Oxnard Police Department on allegations of domestic violence, according to the Ventura County Star newspaper. In 2014, he was convicted of felony domestic violence and sentenced to jail.

[Photo Credit: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office]