California Teen Runaway Found Dead in Motel Room
Tricia Martin was fond shot to death in a Newark motel room with a man.
Sept. 17, 2012 — -- A missing California teen was found shot to death in a motel room with a man, and authorities are investigating the deaths as either a double suicide or a murder-suicide.
Patricia Martin, 17, was known to friends as Tricia. She was reported missing by her mother as a runaway on Sept. 10 in Pleasanton, Calif., which is about 30 miles north of San Jose.
"The mother was unable to provide information regarding her whereabouts, but believed she may be in the company of her boyfriend," the Pleasanton Police Department said in a statement.
On Friday, employees at the EZ8 Motel in Newark, Calif., reported an unconscious male and female inside a motel room, according to police. Newark is about 20 miles southwest of Pleasanton.
When police arrived, they found a male and female in the room, both of which had sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Newark Police Department is investigating the deaths "as a murder-suicide or double suicide," according to police.
A spokeswoman from the Pleasanton police told ABCNews.com that "it will take a few weeks" to investigate the circumstances around the deaths.
Authorities have confirmed 17-year-old Tricia Martin's identity, but have not yet confirmed the identity of the adult male found in the room with her.
The teen's mother, Kathleen Martin, wrote on Facebook Saturday, "I miss my baby. May she find comfort and peace in heaven. I love you more than the day before Tricia."
Martin updated late on Sunday night saying, "This has not been a good day. I miss my baby and wish she was home arguing with me over Sunday night chores. Tricia you are in my heart 'Always and Forever'. I Love You Baby."
The Pleasanton Police Department and the Newark Police Department are jointly investigating the deaths.