On November 12, 2023, at approximately 2:15 p.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station responded to a report of an attempted suicide at a residence on Lyon Street in Rancho Mirage, California. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds: 61-year-old Carl Ashcroft and his wife, 55-year-old Kathryn Ashcroft, both residents of Simi Valley. Carl was pronounced dead at the scene, while Kathryn was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has classified the incident as a murder-suicide, identifying Carl as the shooter and Kathryn as the victim. Authorities have stated that there are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the community.
The Ashcrofts had previously resided in the Wigan area of the United Kingdom before relocating to the United States. Carl was known as the owner of Pemberton Taxis in Wigan. Friends and acquaintances have expressed shock and sadness over the tragic event, remembering the couple as devoted to each other and enjoying their life in California.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information to contact Master Investigator Navarrete at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Evans at 760-836-1600.
