SANTA MONICA—At 6:42 a.m. on September 26, a murder-suicide involving a married couple occurred at a home in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has now confirmed their identities. The husband is Hendrik Rabitzsch, 48, and the wife is Nicole Rabitzsch, 47.
The medical examiner has also determined their manner of death. Nicole died from a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet entering and remaining inside. Her husband’s death was a suicide, caused by a perforating (hole-making) gunshot wound to the head.
At 9:39 p.m., officers from the Santa Monica Police Department arrived at the residence to conduct a welfare check on Hendrik and Nicole. Inside the residence, the officers discovered the bodies and a firearm. Early findings of the investigation suggest that Hendrik shot his wife and then himself.
The SMPD noted that this was an isolated incident with no other individuals involved and that there is no threat to the public. Anyone with details about this incident is asked to call the SMPD at 310-458-8427 and speak with the Watch Commander. No further information has been released to the public as the investigation is ongoing.
