On January 8, 2025, authorities in Santa Rosa, California, discovered the bodies of four family members inside a residence on Monarch Court in the Valle Vista senior community. Among the deceased was 67-year-old white female Donna Lee Smallen Guth. The other victims were her ex-husband, 67-year-old white male Clive Guth, and their two adult children: 33-year-old white female Raena Guth and 28-year-old white male Cameron Guth.
All four individuals had sustained significant gunshot wounds and were found in different areas of the home. A semi-automatic handgun was located near one of the bodies.
The discovery was made after a welfare check was requested by the boyfriend of one of the victims, who had not heard from his partner since January 5. Officers forced entry into the home through a window and found the four individuals deceased. The incident marked Santa Rosa's first homicide of 2025.
Investigators believe that Clive Guth was likely responsible for the deaths in what is being considered a murder-suicide. Clive and Donna had been divorced but maintained a relationship to care for their adult children, both of whom had disabilities. Clive resided primarily in San Jose but frequently visited the Santa Rosa home to assist with caregiving responsibilities. The family had lived in the Valle Vista community for over a decade, initially moving in to care for Donna's mother. Following her mother's passing, Donna received special permission from the community to allow her disabled adult children to remain as permanent residents.
Authorities have not identified a definitive motive for the tragedy. However, they noted that financial difficulties and the challenges associated with caregiving may have contributed to the incident. Investigators are awaiting the results of an electronic analysis of Clive Guth's phone and a pathologist's report to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Santa Rosa Police Department's Violent Crimes Investigation Team continues to handle the case.
