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WEST VALLEY CITY — When Francisco Javier Tapia's teenage son woke up, he found a note had been slipped under his closed door that read, "Call 911."
A short time later, the boy found the bodies of his father and mother, Monica Tapia, inside their locked bedroom. West Valley police believe Francisco Tapia shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself. Both were 51.
Newly unsealed search warrants in 3rd District Court reveal more details about the Aug. 17 murder-suicide at 3488 S. Park Vista Drive.
The Tapias had a history of domestic violence, but police were never called to at least two violent episodes in the weeks leading up to the fatal confrontation, according to the affidavits.
In June, the son found his father on top of his mother and "had to physically intervene to stop Francisco from strangling Monica," the warrants state.
In July, police say the son again saw the two arguing in the kitchen and his father was holding a gun.
"Francisco claimed that he was merely showing Monica the gun. Neither of these incidents were reported to the police," the warrant say.
On Aug. 16, Monica Tapia went to her boyfriend's house. Her sister told her she should stay there.
The sister "was concerned for Monica's safety based on previous incidents of domestic violence between Francisco and Monica. These incidents seem to be due to the fact that Monica has a boyfriend," the affidavits state.
Related:
Police: Husband, wife found dead in West Valley home in apparent murder-suicide
The bodies of two people were discovered inside a home Monday following what police called an apparent murder-suicide.The son said his parents were arguing the night of Aug. 16 and into the morning of Aug. 17. "He recalls them arguing off and on until he fell asleep at around 3:30 in the morning," according to the warrants.
When he woke up two hours later, he found the note slipped under his door along with some cash. The note was in his father's handwriting, according to police.
The son used a Q-tip to unlock his parents' locked room where he found his father's body on the bed with a gunshot wound to his head, and his mother "in the corner of the bedroom, slumped down between the wall and a dresser," the affidavits state. She had been shot in the chest.
West Valley police found the woman's cellphone in her husband's pocket.
People involved in abusive relationships can find help by contacting the YWCA, Women in Jeopardy, 801-537-8600, or the Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
