Longview couple found dead by 11-year-old child after 'assaulting each other'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A married couple died on Halloween after "assaulting each other," the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office said.

Just after 6 p.m. on Oct. 31, a 911 caller reported a shooting at a residence in the 4700 block of Olympia Way in Longview. Deputies found two adults in the kitchen. Though emergency responders attempted first aid, they were both pronounced dead at the scene from serious injuries.

The two people were identified as 38-year-old Juan Antonio Alvarado Saenz and 39-year-old Cecilia Robles Ochoa.

An 11-year-old child was the only other person in the home they shared when the incident happened. The child called 911 when they found both their parents down, with one having been shot, according to authorities.

The child didn't witness the apparent altercation that had happened because they were "in a different room, playing video games while using earbuds," officials said.

"Detectives also conducted multiple interviews and learned that Alvarado Saenz and Robles Ochoa had relationship issues and intended to separate," the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office said in a release. "There is no evidence of any third-party involvement in this case."

Alvarado Saenz died from multiple stab wounds to the chest while Robles Ochoa died from gunshot and stab wounds, the autopsy report said.

One gun and one knife were recovered from the scene. Detectives also learned the gun was allegedly stolen from Alvarado Saenz's employer.

Investigators said they weren't able to determine a "primary aggressor" in the argument that led up to the two deaths. However, the autopsy and on-scene investigation determined "that both subjects were assaulting each other," authorities said.