Woman, uncle found dead after apparent murder-suicide in Torrance

TORRANCE, Calif. (KABC) -- A man and his adult niece were found dead Sunday evening after an apparent murder-suicide at a home in Torrance, police said.

Officers were summoned about 9:15 p.m. to an apartment building in the 100 block of Palos Verdes Boulevard, where they heard a gunshot as they arrived at the scene, said Sgt. Paul Kranke of the Torrance Police Department.

"They initially thought it was a barricade situation and brought in an armored vehicle," the sergeant said.

Police subsequently entered the apartment and discovered the bodies of Tatiana Alexandria Howard, 48, of San Bruno, and her uncle Robert Kay Howard, 78, according to police and coroner's officials.

Tatiana Howard's death was being investigated as a homicide, and Robert Howard's as a suicide, authorities said. Autopsies were pending for both of the deceased.

No other information was available.

City News Service contributed to this report.