Fatal August shootings in Oakland hills determined to be murder and suicide
OAKLAND — The fatal shootings of a woman and man in the Oakland hills Aug. 16 were a murder and suicide, authorities said Friday. Killed were Blanca Guadalupe Rivera Cortez, 30, of Richmond and Raul Duenas Topote, 34, also of Richmond. They were found shot about 11:21 a.m. Aug. 16 outside Duenas Topote’s car, which was parked in the 14000 block of Skyline Boulevard, east of Hansom Drive. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the investigation determined that Duenas Topote fatally shot Rivera Cortez before using the same gun to kill himself. Police said the pair had been in an “on and off relationship” for some time. Duenas was apparently taking Rivera Cortez to work before driving to Skyline Boulevard and shooting her and himself, police said. No notes were found that might explain his actions, police said. Police said a gun recovered at the scene belonged to Duenas and ballistic tests confirmed it was the gun used in the shooting If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.