Family Of Missing Pomona Woman Talk About Her Disappearance, Husband's Apparent Suicide, An Ominous Note
POMONA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities said the husband of a missing Pomona woman missing under "suspicious circumstances" took his own life.
The search continues for Marisela Fabian Hernandez. Her husband, Ivan Zurate (AKA Ivan Hernandez), was found dead of suicide at their home, authorities said.
His body was discovered about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the garage of the home he shared with his wife, according to Pomona police.
Officers went to that location in response to a "victim of a suicide call," according to police, who did not disclose the address.
Investigators have determined that Ivan Hernandez committed suicide, and no foul play was suspected in his death, said Pomona police Sgt. Marcus Perez.
Police were told that the couple had been having problems and facing mounting debt. Detectives learned that Marisela Hernandez -- a mother of four -- did not show up for work on Sunday, Perez said, adding that efforts by her family to reach her have been unsuccessful.
She disappeared under "suspicious circumstances," and police want to make sure she is OK, Perez said.
The missing woman did not take her car and detectives don't yet know how she left home, according to police. Candles and flowers have been placed in front of the garage where her husband's body was found.
Zarate said his mother had a pattern of leaving. He said the last time was about a month ago -- for three days -- to possibly meet a boyfriend in New York.
On Thursday evening, Zarate and the missing woman's brother, Oscar Hernandez, spoke to KCAL9's Tom Wait.
The family is desperate for answers. Her brother is trying to hold the family together.
"It's real tough not to know anything about her," said Hernandez.
Questions are swirling about Maricela. The family says her husband left a suicide note with an ominous message -- asking Maricela's brother to care for the children.
Did he harm her? Police say there is no evidence of that. Pomona Police also think she might be in New York. Whatever happened or wherever she may be, her son has this message.
"It would be really good if she gave us a phone call, so we at least know right now that she's OK. Right now we don't know anything," Zurate said.
Pomona Police are calling this a missing persons case. They're not naming anyone as a suspect. All the family can do is remain optimistic.
"My only guess is that the phone is off and she's struggling with no charger," her brother said. "That's my only hope."
Police are combing a family car for evidence -- testing whatever they find for possible foul play.
Oscar says he may have to adopt all of the children if their mother does not come home.
Anyone who may have seen Hernandez was urged to call 911 or contact police at either (909) 620-2151 or (909) 22-1241.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for Ivan Zurate's funeral expenses.
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