On January 5, 1985, 57-year-old Elger McNamara was among four members of his family killed in a mass shooting at the family ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Victims included Elger, his wife Florence, their daughter Diane Trenner, and Diane’s 4-year-old daughter Kellin Trenner. Bodies were found both inside and outside the home.

The killings were reported after a friend on the phone with one of the victims heard a loud bang and a scream, then the line went silent. Deputies arriving at the scene found 36-year-old Barry McNamara, Elger’s son, standing outside; he was arrested and later charged with four counts of first-degree murder. Investigators said the shootings appeared to stem from a family dispute; neighbors reported hearing screams and gunfire but there were no other direct witnesses.

Barry McNamara’s trial began later in 1985; the jury convicted him on December 12, 1985, of four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Trial testimony noted he had a history of mental health problems and claimed voices ordered him to kill, but the jury found him sane and responsible. Did anyone who knew the McNamara family notice tensions or changes in Barry’s behavior before January 1985?