Pacifica police ID suspect in domestic stabbing, suicide

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Police ID suspect in domestic stabbing, shot himself after getting gun illegally

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The stabbing of two people in a quiet neighborhood in Pacifica on Thursday launched a multi-agency police search, ending in the suspect's suicide more than 100 miles away.

KTVU learned the alleged stabbing suspect was Jason Gillenwater, a 46-year-old firefighter paramedic with the Colma Fire Suppression District, who killed himself with a gun in Mendocino County, four hours after being accused of stabbing a man and a woman at a home on Naomi Avenue.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the woman, identified by neighbors as Nina, was taken to the hospital. Police did not describe their relationship.

Gillenwater fled from the scene before police arrived.

Neighbors said there were kids at home who saw what happened and who were then taken away by victim services.

"My son sent me a copy of the alert he got which said there was a suspect dressed in camouflage covered in blood that the police were seeking," said neighbor Jeanette Borgo.

Pacifica police were looking for Gillenwater, who got away driving a gray Ford F150, after the stabbing incident around 8 a.m. They issued a "Be-On-the-Lookout" for neighboring agencies.

California Highway Patrol officers spotted the same F150 and conducted a traffic stop on Highway 4 at around 1:40 p.m.; Ukiah and CHP officers responded. CHP Officer Alex Kimbell said Gillenwater died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his truck.

Gillenwater was arrested for domestic violence at the same house on Dec. 14. He posted bail, but an emergency protective order was issued.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect dead after fatal stabbing of man in Pacifica

Court documents show police were at the same home on Naomi Avenue the day before the stabbing because Gillenwater violated a restraining order. 

Although police ordered he was not supposed to have a gun, officials said he somehow obtained one in Colusa County Thursday after he allegedly stabbed two people, later using it to kill himself.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and keeping the family members and Pacifica community close in our hearts as they cope with this profound loss,' said Pacifica Police Chief Maria Sarasua in a statement.

Police have not identified the man who was stabbed and killed. The woman is still in the hospital receiving treatment for her injuries.