Tucked away inside a serene Turlock neighborhood, Turlock Police detectives are investigating the deaths of four individuals in what is suspected to be a murder-suicide.

The Turlock Police Department has not released the identities of the four deceased individuals. The department stated the victims were a white female, age 69, and three white males, ages 70, 42, and 39. They also stated the physical descriptions of the individuals matched the descriptions of the individuals known to reside at the home.

Property records indicate the home was owned by 70-year-old Sarkis Babakhan and his wife 69-year-old Rozmary Babakhan. A family friend confirmed the Babakhan’s lived there, along with their son 39-year-old son Rodney Bowman, who also went by the name of Radni Babakhan at some point.

The name of the fourth individual, who was developmentally disabled, remains unknown.

The four individuals were found dead in a home in the 3000 block of Red Oak Court around 10 p.m. Thursday night by a relative.

The relative went to check on the family after not hearing or seeing them for some time. She found one victim and then called the police, said Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.

The deceased were found throughout the home, Lewis said.

In reporting the discovery, the relative also said there was a smell of gas present in the home. Investigators donned gas masks at the home and the Turlock Fire Department was called to the crime scene because there was an element involving arson, Lewis said.

The four individuals had been dead for at least 24 hours prior to their discovery, Lewis said.

Investigators believe the deaths were a result of a murder-suicide. It is unknown at this time who was a victim of homicide and who committed suicide.

A cause of death for the four individuals has not been released by the police department.

A friend of Bowman’s, who did not want her name used, said Bowman was currently unemployed and had been dealing with recent health issues. She also said he had ongoing financial problems caused by identity theft.

This is an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Brandon Bertram at 668-5550 ext. 6623. 

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.