Sheriffs determine murder/suicide

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call in the Madera Ranchos for a welfare check and discovered two deceased adults.

At about 1 p.m. Tuesday, the MCSO responded to the residence in the 33000 block of Avenue 12 for a check.

When the deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered one male and one female, both deceased. They have been identified as Monty Bounds, 60, and Julie Bounds, 58, and had been married for approximately 10 years.

Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies obtained an Emergency Protective Order on behalf of Julie Bounds following a domestic violence arrest of Monty Bounds by MCSO on October 30.

Upon his subsequent arrest for violating the protective order on October 31, deputies applied for, and were granted, a non-release order and bail enhancement motion.

Monty Bounds was released from custody by a Madera Superior Court Judge on November 4.

At the time of the incident, Bounds was under a no-contact Criminal Protective Order issued by the Madera County Superior Court. Under the order, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Deputies seized firearms from the property in October when the original EPO was issued. It has been determined the handgun used in this incident was not registered to Bounds.

“Everyone has the basic human right to live in safety and free from violence and abuse,” Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said. “MCSO is committed to working with victims and local allied agencies to offer support and resources for those in domestic violence relationships. This was a tragic outcome to a frightful situation. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”

MCSO Detectives are actively interviewing witnesses and associates of the decedents to help determine a timeline of events and understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at 675-7770.

If you or someone you love is in an unhealthy relationship, MCSO encourages them to reach out to the Community Action Partnership of Madera County at its 24/7 Victim Crisis Hotline: 1 (800) 355-8989 for help.