A married couple have been found dead inside their home in a suspected murder-suicide.
Nicole Rabitzsch, 47, and her husband Hendrik, 48, both suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
Police believe Hendrik fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.
READ MORE: Married at First Sight star Adrian Szymaniak dies of a brain tumour aged 39
Officers discovered the couple after being sent to carry out a welfare check at a property in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, California.
They entered the home and found the man and woman dead inside, as reported by Need To Know.
Detectives believe the shooting took place at approximately 6:42 am on Saturday, 26 September.
A firearm was recovered at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has since identified the couple and ruled Nicole’s death a homicide, and Hendrik’s a suicide.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner subsequently identified the couple and ruled Nicole’s death a homicide, and Hendrik’s a suicide.
German-born Nicole had built a significant career in the motor industry before her death.
She had worked at Audi Downtown Los Angeles for nearly 13 years and was listed by the dealership as an internal adviser in its service department.
Before moving to California, she spent more than five years working for Audi in Germany.
Her public professional profile listed Santa Monica as her home and said she was a native German speaker who also spoke English and some Spanish.
Nicole studied at Urban Vocational School Bachstrasse between 1999 and 2002.
An online profile linked to the Hendrik indicates that he was also raised in Germany and completed his schooling in Essen in 1997 before later settling in California.
Pictures shared publicly showed the couple travelling together, including aboard a cruise ship, and posing at locations in Santa Monica and Germany.
Santa Monica Police Department said: “SMPD detectives have determined that the deaths of two adults found inside a residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard were the result of a murder-suicide involving a married couple.
“The investigation indicates that the husband fatally shot his wife before taking his own life.
“Investigators determined the incident occurred at approximately 6:42 am on September 26.
“A firearm was recovered at the scene.
“No other individuals are believed to have been involved.
“This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
READ MORE: Married couple arrested on suspicion of murdering a teacher, 37
