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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Suspect, victim in San Clemente clothing store shooting ID'd

Sheriff's officials say the shooting took place at the Bliss Clothing Boutique at 167 Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente, Calif.
Sheriff's officials say the shooting took place at the Bliss Clothing Boutique at 167 Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente, Calif.
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Sheriff's officials have identified the victim and suspect in Saturday's shooting at a San Clemente clothing store that they describe as a likely murder-suicide.

John Patrick Dillard, 59, and Cynthia Jean Rosier, 64, were found dead in the Bliss Clothing Boutique Saturday, Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jeff Hallock told KPCC. The two were married. Both were from San Clemente.

Officials say Dillard entered the store Saturday afternoon and shot Rosier with a handgun, before turning the gun on himself. No one else was injured in the attack. 

Deputies were tipped off to the shooting by a store employee, who called 9-1-1.

"Whether she saw the shooting occur I'm not completely sure on that," Hallock said. "But at some point she recognized that there was a problem. She took the phone from the business, went out the back door and was able to convey to us that a shooting had occurred or was occurring at the time."

Hallock said police shut down streets and set up a perimeter, attempting to contact the suspect. Half an hour later they entered the business and found him dead.

The sheriff's department says they're investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. Anyone with information should contact the department at 714-647-7000. 

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