Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
A tragic incident in Los Angeles has left both the local Turkish community and residents of Westwood in mourning after Gül Erdoğan, who was approximately eight and a half months pregnant, and her husband Aytaç Erdoğan were found dead inside their home. Their unborn baby also did not survive.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on the 1300 block of Holmby Avenue at approximately 5:45 a.m. on Friday, July 10. Upon entering the home, officers discovered a man and a woman suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
Turkish sources identified the victims as Gül Erdoğan and Aytaç Erdoğan. Neighbors told U.S. media that Gül Erdoğan was about 8.5 months pregnant and that the couple had recently hosted a baby shower as they prepared to welcome their first child.
Investigation Ongoing
LAPD investigators are treating the case as a suspected murder-suicide, although officials stressed that the investigation remains active and that no final conclusions have been reached.
Detectives are continuing to examine physical evidence, forensic findings, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting. Authorities said the official cause and manner of death will be determined after the completion of forensic and medical examiner reports.
Community in Shock
Neighbors described the couple as friendly and excited about the arrival of their baby. The sudden deaths have sent shockwaves through the Westwood neighborhood and the Turkish-American community in Southern California.
The Consulate General of Türkiye in Los Angeles is also reported to be following developments closely while local authorities continue their investigation.
