Canoga Park- On Monday, February 26, 2001, at 12:55 p.m., West Valley officers responded to a shooting call in the 23200 block of Wyandotte Street in Canoga Park. The officers were met by a driver from a limousine company who advised them that at 6:30 a.m., this morning, he had brought a passenger to a house and, at the passenger's direction, waited in front of the residence for the occupant to come out. At 12:45 p.m., the occupant of the residence, later identified as 54 year old Sherry Schwartz, walked out of the front door. The suspect exited the limousine and approached her. The two talked for a few seconds, then the suspect grabbed Ms. Schwartz and placed her in a headlock. At that time, Ms. Schwartz momentarily broke free from the suspect, who shot her twice with a .38 caliber revolver handgun. The suspect then shot himself in the head. Both were transported to Northridge Hospital by Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics. Ms. Schwartz was admitted in critical condition with gunshot wounds to the chest and arm. The suspect was pronounced dead at 1:49 p.m. from a self--inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The suspect has been identified, however his identity is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

The investigation has revealed that the victim and the suspect had been dating for over a year and had recently broken up. The weapon was recovered at the scene.

The case is being handled as an attempted murder/suicide.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.