Step-Grandfather Arrested in Shootings of Grandchildren

Neighbors speculate the male and female victims are siblings.

A 72-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the shootings of his two step-grandchildren, authorities said Friday.

Michael Molle, 72, was jailed in connection with the shooting that happened at 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the home he shared with his step-grandchildren in the 2800 block of Tucker Lane in Rossmoor, said Lt. Jeff Hallock, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities found the victims with gunshot wounds, recovered a gun they believe was used in the crime and arrested Molle at the home, Hallock said.

A 22-year-old woman was in a hospital with life-threatening wounds, Hallock said. Her 23-year-old brother was recovering after being shot in the wrist, he said.

Their identities were not released.

The shootings possibly stemmed from a domestic dispute, Hallock said, without elaborating.

Neighbors speculated Molle may have been angry with them for hosting a party at the home.

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He raised them since they were toddlers, but he had recently asked them to move out of the house, neighbors said. A moving van was seen in front of the home as recently as last week.

Neighbors said Molle, highly intelligent, was recently caring for his wife, who uses a wheelchair.

Rossmoor is an affluent planned community in Orange County.

Samia Khan contributed to this report.

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