Police ID suspect Jason Gillenwater in domestic stabbing, shot himself after getting gun illegally.
Jason Gillenwater, a 46-year-old firefighter paramedic with the Colma Fire Suppression District, has died by suicide after being accused of stabbing a man and a woman at a home on Naomi Avenue in Pacifica Thursday morning.
Pacifica Police Department Press Release
Homicide Investigation Update: Suspect Deceased
On December 21, 2023, at approximately 1:45pm, The California Highway Patrol located the suspect vehicle in Mendocino County. The suspect, 46-year-old Jason Gillenwater, was deceased near his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation revealed that Gillenwater obtained a firearm in Colusa County after the stabbing incident in Pacifica.
On December 14, 2023 at approx. 9:00 p.m. Pacifica Police officers responded to the same residence on Naomi Avenue for a reported domestic violence incident involving Gillenwater and the female victim. Gillenwater was arrested for domestic violence at the scene and booked at the San Mateo County jail. He subsequently posted bail and was released from jail.
Police officers immediately obtained a gun violence emergency protective order and seized firearms and ammunition from the residence. Officers also obtained an Emergency Protective Order. This order prohibited Gillenwater from contacting the female victim or coming within 100 yards of the Naomi Avenue residence in Pacifica.
Chief Sarasua said, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and keeping the family members and Pacifica community close in our hearts as they cope with this profound loss. I am grateful to our San Mateo County allied agencies, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance during this investigation.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident are asked to call the Pacifica Police Department at 650-738-7314 and refer to Pacifica Police Case #23-3391.