Carl Ashcroft, Owner of Wigan Taxi Firm, Commits Murder-Suicide in California

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A British taxi firm owner has been identified as the suspect in a tragic murder-suicide case that took place in California. Carl and Kathy Ashcroft were found with fatal gunshot wounds at a residence in Rancho Mirage on November 12. Carl Ashcroft, the owner of Pemberton Taxis based in Wigan, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his American wife, Kathy, was taken to the hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries.

The incident occurred at the home of the couple’s daughter, Fallon, located in Riverside County, southeast of Palm Springs. Sergeant Mike Kelleher provided an update on the case, stating that the victim, Kathy Ashcroft, was a 55-year-old resident of Simi Valley, while the suspect was identified as Carl Ashcroft, a 61-year-old resident of Simi Valley. The couple had known each other for forty years, having met when Kathy was just a teenager.

According to sources, Carl had purchased a gun specifically for the purpose of carrying out the tragic act. He even made a phone call to inform someone of his intentions, although initially, the recipient of the call dismissed it as a joke. The source revealed that the shooting took place at Fallon’s house, though it remains uncertain whether she was present at the time. The source further expressed the horror of the situation, stating, “But it’s truly horrible. Carl had never bothered with guns while in America, but something has clearly gone badly wrong. I’ve been told he bought this gun for the specific purpose of doing what he did. Then he rang someone to tell them he was going to kill Kathy, but at first, they took it as a joke, so they didn’t do anything about it.”

Kathy Ashcroft, described as a lovely woman who had spent most of her life in Wigan, did not have any family in the area. However, she will certainly be remembered by those who knew her. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in California released a statement regarding the incident, stating that deputies responded to a report of an attempted suicide at the residence on Lyon Street in Rancho Mirage. Upon arrival, they discovered a male and a female with gunshot wounds. While the male victim died at the scene, the female victim was transported to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

The Central Homicide Unit took over the investigation, and according to the statement, the case is being treated as a murder-suicide. The authorities have confirmed that there are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the community. As the investigation is ongoing, further details have not been released at this time.

The Ashcrofts had lived in Shevington for most of their relationship but had also spent considerable time in America, first in Florida and later in California. Rancho Mirage, situated in the Coachella Valley, is a popular holiday destination known for its golf courses. It has hosted prestigious events such as the Ryder Cup and PGA Tour. The area is often referred to as the “Golf Capital of the World” and the “Playground of the Presidents,” with notable figures like Gerald Ford, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bing Crosby having resided there.

The tragic murder-suicide of Carl and Kathy Ashcroft has left a community devastated and serves as a reminder of the profound impact that acts of violence can have on families and loved ones..