Questions Linger in Coronado Deaths

There are still unanswered questions in the Coronado murder-suicide case

As we learn more about the details and the victims in a murder-suicide case that has shocked the community of Coronado and gained national attention, there are still questions lingering about the case.

Sheriff's deputies still haven't confirmed whether the man who took his own life, Bob Reeves, was the murderer.

Also, what was the motive?

And how did all of the victims know each other?

Until Wednesday afternoon, the identity of one of the victims had not been revealed. Family members say Matthew Saturley, 31, was an innocent victim.

"He was wonderful. You never expect to bury your son," said his mother, Joyce Saturley in an exclusive interview with NBC San Diego. "I can't deal with it at this point."

Joyce Saturley loved two men in her life. One was her only son, Matthew. The other was Matthew’s father.   

"We lost Matt's Dad in June. He was a victim of vehicular negligent vehicular homicide. To have this happen is just completely overwhelming," she said.

Saturley was getting his master's degree in finance. His death has also devastated his wife of six years, and their five-year-old daughter.

"He had such a passion for life. He had zest for learning," said Saturley ‘s wife, Alana Renfro. "The thing I talked about with my daughter is every time we miss him; let’s think of one of our special memories that we have with him. Let’s keep that alive. Let’s talk about it."

Family members say there are many reasons to remember Saturley.

"He was one of those people that if you were feeling down he could empathize with you, if you laughed he could empathize with you. He was just a very caring type person," said his mother.

"We had so many good times together as a family. He loved to ski, golf. We golfed together all the time," said the victim’s sister, Elizabeth Saturley.

Family members say investigators are still trying to figure out a motive for what they call a senseless shooting.

"It's so surreal and it's such a crazy cause of death that it's really hard to believe," said Elizabeth Saturley.

The victim’s mother says her son never hurt anyone in his short life and he certainly didn't deserve to die this way.         

"He was a good guy and sometimes it seems that those people get punished the worst," Joyce Saturley said.

Saturley and his wife were still living together, despite their pending divorce, which Renfro filed on Dec., 27. The family says the couple was trying to work on their marriage.

"My last personal communication from Matt was just days before his death: He told me that his wife was his best friend," said friend and pastor, Jeff Mears.

On Wednesday, investigators revealed new information about what happened inside the condo on Park Place on New Year’s Eve.

They say Navy Pilot, Bob Reeves, his roommate, 25 David Reis, 25, Karen Reis, 24 and Saturley, 31, went to Altitude Sky Lounge in the Gaslamp district on New Year’s Eve and were joined by an acquaintance, according to Capt. Duncan Fraser.

Just after midnight, they left the nightclub with an unidentified acquaintance, Capt. Fraser said.
Once they arrived at the condo, Reeves was the first to go inside. Karen Reis and Saturley went inside next, Capt. Fraser said. David Reis and the acquaintance stayed outside.

David Reis went inside after hearing gunshots, Capt. Fraser said. The acquaintance heard more gunshots and ran to call 911.

David Reis, his sister Karen, Saturley and Reeves never made it out alive.

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

David Reis was shot in the torso. Karen Reis was shot in the head and chest and Saturley died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Detectives found four guns on scene. They would not say who owned or fired them.

The Altitude Bar sits on top of the Marriott and opened in 2005. A spokesperson for the hotel says they have surveillance video from New Year’s Eve and investigators know about it, but haven't yet asked to see it.

"We are all saddened by the tragedy that occurred in Coronado. We have received a call from the Sheriff's office and are prepared and willing to assist with their investigation in any way possible," the company said in a statement.

A memorial service was held for 24-year-old Karen Reis on Wednesday night at San Dieguito Academy. Players came to say goodbye to their favorite coach.

“She believed in everyone.  She knew everyone had it in them to be able to play.  It was amazing.  She was so beautiful,” said Melanie Ruediger.

Becka Bailey was Karen’s best friend and fellow volleyball coach.

“She was like a sister to me.  I feel so blessed to have known her,” said Bailey. “Take comfort in knowing that she is in heaven.”

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.

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