Cottonwood couple die in murder-suicide

A Tehama County couple who died Sunday night, Nov. 8, in a murder-suicide at a Billy Jack Lane residence were identified today by the Tehama County Sheriff's Office.

Undersheriff Dennis Garton said Pamela Ann Vannoy, 51, and John Calvin Vannoy, 53, were the victims.

"Those are the names and they are involved," Garton said.

Initial reports said John Vannoy telephoned emergency dispatchers Sunday night after his wife had called earlier and said that he had just shot and killed her.

Gunshots were heard while he was still on the telephone, Sheriff Clay Parker said.

"It was a family thing that went south," Garton said.

Investigators are attempting to determine what led to the shooting. Garton didn't know what type of gun was used or if the residence had a history of domestic violence.

Autopsies still need to be done and toxicology samples will be taken, Garton said.

A SWAT team was sent to the Billy Jack Lane residence Sunday night. The SWAT team, which eventually entered the home, found the bodies inside.