Woman Shot By Husband Remains In Critical Condition

The motive behind the shocking Sunday morning , who then fatally shot himself, remains unclear, police said Monday.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances that led Larry Cucinella, 80, to shoot his wife, Rita Cucinella, and then kill himself with the same handgun in their home in a quiet neighborhood near Trabuco and El Toro roads.

Deputies found the Cucinellas in the garage of their home near the Lake Forest border with Mission Viejo after receiving a 911 call from the injured Rita Cucinella, who had been shot three times.

A couple that has lived in the neighborhood for 33 years said they recalled the Cucinellas moving into the neighborhood, but were unsure exactly what year they arrived.

The Cucinellas did not appear to have many visitors, with the exception of an older man with a cane who visited multiple times, Jim Farkas said.

He and Larry Cucinella would wave at one another but were not close, he added.

Rita Cucinella once brought the Farkas' a plate of brownies in thanks for finding her dog, which had ran away, Cathy Farkas recalled.

The Farkas' had just sat down to eat breakfast Sunday morning when a SWAT team swarmed the Cucinellas' house, guns drawn, Cathy Farkas said.

Deputies yelled at the home's occupants to come out with hands up, then forced their way in through the front door when they did not get a response, the Farkas' said.

Shortly thereafter, Rita Cucinella was taken away in an ambulance, while the body of Larry Cucinalla could be seen lying between the vehicles parked in the garage, they said.

The wounded 68-year-old woman was rushed to Mission Hospital and underwent surgery for three gunshot wounds. As of Monday, she remained in critical condition, Lt. Mike Gavin said.

There was no note found at the scene, and it's unclear if health issues played a role in his actions. However, police said Monday that Larry Cucinella may have had heart trouble.

Rita Cucinella has not yet spoken with police and is likely to be unable to do so for at least another day, Gavin said.

This story has been updated.