Retired San Francisco deputy police chief and daughter shot dead by husband, investigators say

A pioneering San Francisco deputy police chief and her daughter have been found shot dead at their home beside the body of the former’s husband, who police say they believe is responsible for the deaths as part of a double murder-suicide.

Ann Mannix, 65, an ex-SWAT commander, and her daughter Katie, 24, are believed to have been killed by Kevin Mannix, 68, himself a retired police sergeant, before he ultimately took his own life, according to investigators.

“The preliminary investigation indicates a suspected double-murder suicide involving three individuals,” said Miguel Almaguer, public information officer to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, in an initial statement. “The suspected shooter is male.”

Almaguer subsequently identified Kevin Mannix as the suspect at a later press conference but said he could not discuss evidence recovered from the scene – the family’s home in affluent Strawberry, Mill Valley – to which officers were summoned by a 911 call at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the person who placed the call managed to escape the scene via a bedroom window and told officers that Kevin Mannix had been drinking red wine that evening. They have so far been identified only as another resident of the property.

The newspaper describes the Mannixes as “estranged” and quotes family friend Marie Hurabiell, a former Democratic congressional candidate, as saying they were considering a divorce. Ann Mannix is also reported as being survived by two adult children.

The Chronicle explains that she joined the San Francisco Police Department in 1986 after previously managing a branch of Toys R Us and rose through the ranks, becoming the first woman to join and lead its SWAT team.

It also quotes Tony Montoya, a fellow retired sergeant and former president of the Police Officer’s Association, as saying of Kevin Mannix: “He was always well-liked, always had a smile on his face and was easy to talk with. Never in my time on the POA did his name come across my desk in a negative context… My jaw is on the floor like everyone else.”

San Francisco Police Chief Derrick Lew said in a statement Monday: “My heart goes out to all their family members, friends and colleagues at the SFPD as we all work to process this tragedy.”

Louis Wong, current president of the San Francisco POA, said in another statement: “It is with profound sadness, shock, and heavy hearts that we address the devastating news that emerged out of Marin County on Sunday evening.

“The tragic loss of retired deputy chief Ann Mannix, her daughter Katie, and retired sergeant Kevin Mannix in a suspected murder-suicide has left our entire SFPD family reeling.

“There are no words that can fully capture the depth of this tragedy, nor are there simple answers to the painful questions we are all asking.”

The bodies of the deceased are set to be autopsied Tuesday.

Lou Barberini, a former San Francisco police officer and Bay Area newspaper columnist who knew the couple, told Fox News: “Ann had a lot of talent, and she was very competent. She was a great athlete, she was a good cop, and she was well-liked.”

Hurabiell meanwhile told ABC7: “She acknowledged divorce was not fun or easy, but to have this happen right after she was so full of hope and joy and life.

“I’ll say one thing about Ann, she made you feel everything would be OK.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.