On March 5, 2023, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on Espinosa Road, just outside Salinas, California, following reports of gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 54-year-old Danen Clair Gularte outside the home with a suspected gunshot wound. Inside the residence, they found 82-year-old Morya Noreen Gularte, also suffering from a gunshot wound. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations by the Sheriff's Office indicated that the incident was a homicide-suicide. Authorities stated that there were no outstanding suspects and no additional threat to public safety. The exact relationship between Morya and Danen Gularte was not disclosed by the deputies.
Morya Noreen Gularte was a respected and successful businesswoman in Salinas. Born on February 15, 1941, she worked for the family business, Hildebrand & Sons Trucking, which was started by her parents in 1942. She was also a member of Gabilan Cutters and an avid supporter of various animal welfare organizations. Her greatest joys included spending time with her family, traveling, breeding and raising horses, and camping at Pismo Beach.
The tragic deaths of Morya and Danen Gularte have left the Salinas community in mourning. As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Jesus Reyes at 831-755-3805 or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3786.
