Married Couple Dead in San Clemente Murder-Suicide Identified

A man apparently shot and killed his wife and then himself inside a San Clemente store on Saturday afternoon, sheriff's officials said.

A female employee called 911 about 2 p.m. to report that someone had been shot inside Bliss Boutique, a clothing and gift shop in the 100 block of Avenida Del Mar, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said. The bodies were found about 40 minutes later when authorities made their way inside.

No one was sought in connection with the shooting and no arrests were made, deputies said. A handgun was found inside the store, investigators said.

Authorities identifed the deceased as John Patrick Dillard, 59, and Cynthia Jean Rosier, 64, of San Clemente. Sheriff's officials said they were married.

Witnesses described the frantic moments after the shooting that prompted a response from SWAT team members.

"The girl working at Bliss came running out yelling that there were six shots fired, and that her boss was taken into the back room by her husband and they were in an ugly divorce," said witness Jeff Chambers.

People who knew the man and woman were stunned by the killings.

"Half my wardrobe is from there and it's kind of like having your childhood disrupted in a sense," said customer Alexa Corbett. "She didn't deserve this, she was such a good woman."

"I've shopped their for over 10 years and I saw her earlier this week, I can't believe it," said Melanie Flaherty, who was at the scene.

Calls to the business were not answered.

Willian Avila contributed to this report.

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