On Saturday, Mar. 15 a couple was found dead in their home about a mile away from Biola’s campus. According to Whittier Daily News, the Sheriff’s Department received a call early that morning. The couple’s neighbor was believed to have been the caller.

“Rhonda Alder, 56, died from a gunshot wound to the head, with her death ruled a homicide. The death of Timothy Alder, 57, who also had a gunshot wound to the head, was a suicide, according to the medical examiner’s office,” Whittier Daily News reported.

A firearm was also found. The couple is survived by their two sons who were at home during the shooting.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

John Ojeisekhoba, Biola’s associate vice president and chief of Campus Safety, made a statement about the fatalities.

“I am quite sad to learn about the tragic incident, and we are praying for everyone affected,” said Ojeisekhoba. “Upon hearing about the incident, I communicated with the Sheriff’s Department leadership from the La Mirada station. The incident does not pose any safety threat to Biola’s campus.”