Details Released From Scene of Coronado Murder-Suicide

The four deaths have been ruled murder-suicide

Investigators say they now know the details of what happened in the murder-suicide in a Coronado Condo early New Years Day.

The deaths of Navy Pilot David Andrew Reis, 25, his sister, Karen Reis, 24 and Matthew Christopher Saturley, 31, were ruled as homicides by the San Diego County Medical Examiner, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The death of Navy Pilot, John Robert Reeves, 25, was ruled a suicide.

Investigators believe the four people who were later found dead in the condo went to Altitude Sky Lounge in the Gaslamp district. They were joined by a male acquaintance, according to Capt. Duncan Fraser.

They left the nightclub after midnight and headed to the condo on Park Place with the acquaintance. Fraser did not say who the acquaintance was.

Reeves was the first of the group to go inside the condo.

Karen and Saturley then joined him shortly after.

David and the acquaintance stayed outside. The two men heard gunshots. David went inside and the acquaintance stayed outside. Shortly after David went inside, the acquaintance heard more gunshots.

At that point, the acquaintance went less than half a block away and called 911.

When police and the SWAT team arrived, they searched the 3-story condo. David's body was found at the entrance. Karen and Saturley's bodies were found partially in and partially out of a bedroom on the second floor.

Reeves' body was found on the third floor landing. He died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Medical Examiner's Office.

Detectives also found four guns on scene, although they would not say who owned or fired them. Officials have not determined the motive of the shooter, and are not confirming whether or not Reeves shot the other three victims.

David Reis died from a gunshot wound to his torso, Karen Reis died from a gunshot wound to her head and chest and Saturley died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Neighbors say Reeves, David Reis and Karen Reis had been celebrating downtown for New Year's Eve before the shootings took place.

Saturley and Karen met New Year's Eve at the nightclub, Fraser said.

Next-door neighbor, Don Hubbard, said Reeves moved into the home on Park Place over the summer. He drove an old army truck and used to take his motorcycles out to the desert.

Reeves and David Reis were F/A-18 pilots assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, Marine Aircraft Group 11, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, according to base officials.  Both were awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

"Our condolences go out to the families, friends, fellow service members and Coronado community during this time of mourning "said Lt. Col. Robert Brodie, VMFAT-101 commanding officer. "We are committed to supporting the families of Lt. j.g. Reis and Lt. j.g. Reeves and those affected by this tragedy.  We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Reeves joined the Navy in 2008 after completing a ROTC program at Penn State University, according to Navy officials. Reis joined after completing a ROTC program at the University of New Mexico in 2008.

David Reis trained at MCAS Miramar. His grandfather said he loved to fly.

“He says, ‘I don't know why they pay me for this. I'm having too much fun.’ His first flight on an F-18 he made some crazy comment, ‘I’m flying an F-18’,” said Andy Reis.

Friends say Karen Reis excelled on and off the volleyball court, first as a varsity player at UCSD and more recently as a coach for local club teams.

“Everybody who met Karen and spent any time with her, absolutely loved her," said former employer Paul Crowe.

Most recently she worked with 10 to 12 year olds at the Genuine Volleyball Club in Carlsbad.

Karen had studied neuroscience at UCSD, had been Rotary Scholar and excelled in academics in high school. She also worked at Trader Joes in La Jolla to supplement the money she made coaching volleyball. Her co-worker says her sudden death is an unbelievable tragedy.

“I just feel so devastated that this happened,” said Barbara Nealy, who worked with Karen for nearly three years.  “She was a hard worker, did everything perfect and she was such a nice girl.”

Friends say Karen touched many lives, especially the young girls she coached in the sport she loved.

“She pretty much embodied what I wanted my girls to be around, which was someone strong in their faith and honest, caring and gentle,” said Crowe.

NBC San Diego spoke to two of Matthew Christopher Saturley's neighbors, who said he was always willing to help others. Another neighbor said Saturley was a part of the neighborhood, and chatted with other homeowners when he walked his dog.

"He'd do anything for anybody," said one of the neighbors. "He was was a really nice, sensitive guy."

Saturley and his wife Alana Renfro were still living together, despite their pending divorce, which Renfro filed on December, 27th -- Saturley's 31st birthday.

Renfro would not respond to a request for comment, but a neighbor said Renfro "knew nothing" about why Saturley was at the Coronado condo on New Year's Eve. She said Saturley had "probably just met" the other victims that night.

Funeral services for David and Karen Reis are scheduled Saturday in Bakersfield. A memorial for Karen is being organized on the UCSD campus next week.

Keep up to date on breaking news: Follow us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, fan us on Facebook, sign up for our breaking news e-mail alerts or text SDBREAKING to 622339 to receive text messages for local breaking news. (For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.)

Contact Us