San Francisco Family of Four — Thomas Russell Ocheltree, Paula Truong, and Daughters Alexandra & MacKenzie — Found Deceased in Westwood Highlands District; Murder-Suicide Suspected

Authorities in San Francisco are investigating the deaths of four individuals found inside a Westwood Highlands residence earlier this week in what is being described as a possible murder-suicide.

The bodies were discovered Wednesday afternoon during a welfare check at a home on the 900 block of Monterey Boulevard. Police say the deceased are believed to be members of the same family unit.

The San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office on Thursday identified the deceased as Thomas Russell Ocheltree, 57; Paula Truong, 53; and the couple’s two daughters, Alexandra Ocheltree, 12, and MacKenzie Ocheltree, 9.

Officials stated that the exact causes and manners of death remain under investigation. The San Francisco Police Department’s homicide unit has taken over the case and is treating the deaths as suspicious.

A relative, Bob Ocheltree, told local media outlet KRON4 that his brother and nieces were victims of a tragic event, saying, “Our family is shocked and devastated as you can imagine.”

San Francisco family of 4 found dead amid financial troubles, mortgage arrears & failed business

Court and property records suggest the family may have been facing financial difficulties. According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the family took out a $2.24 million mortgage in 2022 against their home, then estimated at $1.3 million. Foreclosure proceedings reportedly began on February 12, 2024, with more than $212,000 in unpaid mortgage payments at that time. The property was later sold at public auction in September 2024.

Additional documents reviewed by ABC7 showed the family had been in default since March 2022. Records also indicate that the couple previously operated Orbit Cafe, a local business that once had multiple locations in Oakland before closing.

Emergency responders from the San Francisco Fire Department arrived at the scene around 1:25 p.m. on Wednesday. Police have not yet confirmed who may have been responsible for the deaths and continue to urge anyone with information to contact the department’s homicide detail.