Mildred E. Peskay, aged 91, passed away on November 13, 2021, in Moorpark, California. Her death, along with that of her husband Robert Peskay, was a result of a tragic incident that has been described as a murder-suicide. According to the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office, Robert Peskay is believed to have shot his wife before taking his own life. The couple was found in the backyard of their home on Broadview Drive, with gunshot wounds being the cause of death. A handgun was discovered at the scene, and there were no signs of forced entry or involvement of any third party.
The investigation into the deaths revealed that Robert Peskay had called 911 shortly before the incident, informing the dispatcher that police would find two bodies at their residence. This call led authorities to the scene where they discovered the couple. Despite the initial classification as a murder-suicide, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths to confirm the details and motives. There was no known history of domestic violence between Robert and Mildred Peskay, and friends and neighbors described them as a loving couple dedicated to their community.
Robert Peskay had a notable background, having worked in financial management for 45 years and serving as a national bank director. He was also a veteran Navy officer who served in the Korean conflict and held various roles in the Ventura County grand jury and the City of Moorpark's planning commission. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor grand theft for falsifying timecards while serving as the grand jury's treasurer, resulting in a sentence of 30 days in jail, which he served under house arrest, and three months of probation.
The deaths of Robert and Mildred Peskay shocked the Moorpark community, where they had lived for nearly 25 years. Friends and neighbors remembered them as kind and generous individuals who were actively involved in local activities and celebrations. The investigation into their deaths aimed to provide clarity and closure to the community, although the exact reasons behind the tragic event remained a subject of inquiry.
