Mari Bonnici, a devoted mother of three, was found dead in a tragic murder-suicide involving her ex-partner, Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Lyle. Learn more about the devastating event and how the community is responding.
@abc7newsbayarea Jeremy Lyle, an off-duty Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot Mari Bonnici, the mother of his three children, at her apartment over the weekend and later killed himself in the parking lot of the coroner’s office, Santa Rosa police said. #JeremyLyle #MariBonnici #santarosa #shooting #sonomacountysheriffsdepartment #breakingnews #abc7news #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – ABC7 News
A peaceful night in Sonoma County, California, was shattered by a tragic event that ended in the death of Mari Bonnici, a 38-year-old mother of three. The harrowing discovery occurred on August 10, 2025, when an emergency call led law enforcement officers to respond to an escalating situation involving a sheriff’s deputy and his ex-partner.
Deputy Jeremy Lyle, 10-year @sonomasheriff veteran, @sonomasheriff shot & killed his ex-girlfriend, @sonomasheriff detention specialist Mari Bonnici before turning gun on himself, per @SantaRosaPolice. I’ve learned two had twins together. 5,6 p.m. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/qPAlYRjaeK
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) August 11, 2025
Months after civilian @sonomasheriff worker Mari Bonnici filed to end their domestic partnership, her ex, Deputy Jeremy Lyle, shot & killed her, handed their 8mo son to neighbor & killed himself, per @SantaRosaPolice. Their twin 16mo girls found at apt. Woman’s sister weighs in pic.twitter.com/2vxuMZe1LU
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) August 12, 2025
The Tragic Incident
The incident unfolded on Quigg Drive in Santa Rosa, when a neighbor called 911 to report that a man had knocked on her door holding an infant and said the child’s mother was hurt. The man was later identified as Jeremy Lyle, a 44-year-old sheriff’s deputy with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. Lyle, who had served as a deputy for over a decade, was found to be the ex-partner of the deceased, Mari Bonnici.
Law enforcement officers forced entry into the apartment and found Mari Bonnici deceased on the couch, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Her 16-month-old twin daughters were found unharmed in a nearby room. Earlier, Lyle had handed his 8-month-old son to the neighbor, bringing further concern to the community.
Authorities later located Lyle in his vehicle outside the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office, where he died by suicide after a standoff with police. Despite several hours of crisis negotiation, Lyle ended his life with a single gunshot.
Motive and Domestic Violence Background
While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities have classified the case as a domestic violence-related murder-suicide. Despite no prior domestic violence reports involving Lyle and Bonnici, court records revealed that Bonnici had filed for dissolution of their domestic partnership in June 2025. She had custody of their three children while Lyle had been living elsewhere.
The Community Reacts
The tragic event left the Santa Rosa community in shock. Sergeant Juan Valencia of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department expressed the deep concern within the community:
“We recognize the profound shock and concern that this incident brings to our community. Both the Sheriff’s Office and the community place immense trust in those who are dedicated to serving and protecting. No level of training or experience can fully prepare us for such a tragedy.”
Local resident Steve Schneider voiced his disbelief, saying, “It’s as bad as it gets. I can’t even fathom if the children saw that. I can’t even imagine.”
Remembering Mari Bonnici
Friends and family have shared moving tributes in memory of Mari. Amie Porter, Mari’s sister, remembered her as a deeply devoted mother:
“She adored her three kids. They were her entire world. She loved taking them on walks and getting pastries with them in the morning.”
A close friend, Renée Evans, expressed her grief on Facebook, recalling their friendship during high school and college. She also shared a GoFundMe campaign to support Bonnici’s children, who are now left without both parents. The campaign emphasizes the challenges facing Elvia Ramirez (Mari’s mother) and her surviving son, Isaac.
As of the latest update, over $23,993 has been raised toward the campaign’s $50,000 goal. The funds will be managed by Mari’s grandmother, Loni Bonnici, to ensure the children’s future care.
A Devastating Legacy
Mari’s unexpected passing is a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities. The three children, who are now in the custody of relatives, are left to navigate life without their mother.
Mari will always be remembered for her kind-hearted nature, her devotion to her children, and her role as a loyal friend. As the investigation into the tragedy continues, the community remains united in support of the family as they cope with their loss.
Support and Resources
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support the long-term care and needs of Mari’s children. Those wishing to donate or learn more about how to help can visit the campaign page.
