Chilling witness accounts revealed over Rancho Mirage murder-suicide

More witnesses are coming forward in the wake of a murder-suicide that left two people dead Friday morning. It happened at a medical office inside Mirage Mall off Indian Trail and Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage.

"It was a loud noise. It did not sound like a gunshot at all," TNT General Contracting Owner, Ted Parker said.

Ted Parker's office is in the same business complex. He was back at work, three days after the crime happened.

He says he heard something outside, but it didn't sound like gunshots. He walked out of his office and into the hallway, and found a disturbing scene.

"The shooter was actually laying in the hallway," Parker said.

Investigators arrived within minutes of the shooting on Friday. The scene was swarming with Riverside County Sheriff's Deputies. They immediately cordoned off the area.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, 67-year-old Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. David Duffner was shot and killed inside his own medical office. The sheriff's department says 63-year-old Desert Hot Springs resident Walter Carter pulled the trigger before turning the gun on himself.

As of Monday morning, a sign was posted on the door notifying visitors that the office is closed indefinitely due to the "tragic circumstances."

One office window was boarded up, and a door inside the office showed signs of being pierced by a bullet.

Other businesses in the same complex remained closed, including Desert Kidney Care.

Across the hall, Purvis Gallery of Design was back open. One of its windows was also boarded up, while a bullet hole was visible in the office door.

“It’s just sad that it happened. It’s terrible that something happens like that," Purvis Gallery of Design manager, David Reams said.

Reams says he had met Dr. Duffner in passing.

"I knew the doctor and he was a real pleasant guy. Down to earth. Very nice," Reams said. "It’s just sad that it happened. It’s terrible that something happens like that. You can’t believe it."

Palm Springs City Council Member Christy Holstege weighed in:

"Dr. Duffner was not only a close family friend but a renowned doctor and highly skilled surgeon. This is a devastating loss for our community and the thousands of patients he has served over his career in the Coachella Valley. He will be missed and our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones."

Meanwhile, investigators are still working to determine a motive for the crime.