Death of husband and wife in La Quinta an apparent murder-suicide

A husband and wife whose bodies were found at a La Quinta residence Monday morning died in an apparent murder-suicide, according to a statement issued to News Channel 3 by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

“Officers arrived and located a female on the property with a fatal gunshot wound. The female has been identified as, 44-year-old Ada Heintz,” reads the release. “Officers located a deceased male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside of the residence. The male has been identified as Ada’s husband, 59-year-old Herman Heintz.”

Coroner identifies man & woman found dead behind La Quinta home

The officers responded to the residence located on the 79000 block of Independence Way in La Quinta to investigate a report of a female who had been shot. After the responding officer’s initial investigation, Thermal Sheriff Station investigators and investigators from the Central Homicide Unit assumed the investigation, which is still ongoing.

Friends of the couple told News Channel 3 they both worked at the Imperial Irrigation District together.

IID released an official statement on their deaths:

Imperial Irrigation District is deeply saddened to learn about the unexpected and tragic passing of two of its employees, Mr. Herman Heintz and wife Ada Heintz.

Both were employed by the district and worked out of the La Quinta offices for many years. Mr. Heintz marked his 41st year of service this month while Mrs. Heintz was in her 19th year of service.

The district grieves with their families, their loved ones and is focusing on the human aspect of this situation, doing what it can as an organization to support them.

In addition, the district will provide grief-counseling services to staff during this difficult time and asks the public to keep the Heintz family in their thoughts and prayers.

There is no threat to public safety, and no outstanding suspects, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies investigating two La Quinta deaths

Anyone with information relating to this case is urged to contact Investigator Paz of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.