A Tragedy in Santa Rosa: The Loss of Two Sheriff’s Department Employees
A devastating incident in Santa Rosa, California, has left the community reeling and highlighted the tragic consequences of domestic violence. The lives of two Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department employees, Jeremy Lyle and Mari Bonnici, were tragically cut short in a murder-suicide on Sunday, August 10, 2025. This heartbreaking event unfolded in a Northeast Santa Rosa apartment complex, leaving behind three young children.
The Unfolding Events
A Neighbor’s Distressing Call
The evening began with a frantic 911 call from a concerned neighbor on the 4600 block of Quigg Drive. This neighbor reported that a man had dropped off an infant at her apartment, urgently requesting that she call for help as the child’s mother was injured. This call triggered a rapid response from Santa Rosa Police Department and SWAT negotiators.
A Neighborhood on Lockdown
Residents described a tense scene as police swarmed the area around 7 p.m., establishing a perimeter and initiating a manhunt. Christina Savala, a local resident, recounted the unsettling experience, recalling the heavy police presence and the helicopter circling overhead for hours. The neighborhood was effectively placed on lockdown during this critical period.
The Discovery
Upon entering the apartment, officers made the grim discovery of Mari Bonnici, 38, deceased from at least one gunshot wound. Two unharmed toddlers were found in a back bedroom. The infant delivered to the neighbor was unharmed. This scene painted a devastating picture of the violence that had unfolded within the apartment.
The Suspect and the Standoff
The man identified as the perpetrator, 44-year-old Jeremy Lyle, a ten-year veteran of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department, was subsequently located at the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office. Lyle, pictured on the department’s Instagram page with his K9 partner, Rappa, refused to surrender. A lengthy standoff ensued, with negotiators attempting to communicate with him until approximately 2 a.m. Tragically, Lyle ultimately took his own life with a single gunshot.
The Aftermath and Investigation
The Victims
Mari Bonnici, a 38-year-old employee of the Sheriff’s Department, was the victim of the shooting. Both Lyle and Bonnici were reportedly former partners, leaving behind three young children – twins and an infant. The children are currently in the care of family members.
The Investigation
Santa Rosa Police Sergeant Patricia Seffens stated that there were no prior reports of domestic violence between Lyle and Bonnici. However, a full investigation into the possible motive and the couple’s history is underway. The Sheriff’s Department is grieving the loss of two valued members of their team and offering their condolences to the families affected.
A Community in Mourning
Steve Schneider, a Santa Rosa resident, expressed the profound shock and sadness felt throughout the community, highlighting the unimaginable impact on the young children potentially witnessing this tragic event. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help for those struggling with relationship issues.
