GPD is investigating death of a woman who suffered a gunshot
wound to the chest
Betsy Avelar Staff Writer
Gilroy – Police are investigating what they are calling a “suspicious death” after a woman was reported to have shot herself, police said.
Kathryn Ryle was pronounced dead at 3:05pm Sunday, after suffering a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, police officials said.
“It’s best classified as suspicious death at this point because we haven’t determined whether it’s a suicide or a homicide,” said Gilroy Sgt. Noel Provost. “The gunshot did kill her, but we haven’t determined who pulled the trigger on the gun.”
The gun was found at the scene where the 48-year-old was discovered in her northwest Gilroy residence. She died 30 minutes later. Lynn Ryle, the victim’s husband, told the police he found her.
Several phone calls to Lynn Ryle Friday were not returned.
Tests are being done on the gun and a green pickup that belongs to the couple, Provost said.
Police said they could not disclose further details of the death, as it is under investigation.
Family members have been contacted in the investigation of the woman’s death and are cooperating, police said.
For now, three detectives are working on the case.
“We do have some things at the DA crime lab, and we’re waiting on the results,” said Sgt. Provost. Results for the tests will not be available for another three to four weeks, said Sgt. Provost.
Gilroy police could not immediately provide statistics for suicides locally, but nationally males are at least four times as likely to die from suicide, while females attempt suicide more often than males, according to the Violence Policy Center Web site, a national educational foundation working to enhance gun control in America. Women traditionally used other less lethal means than firearms according to the Web site.
Betsy Avelar is an intern and attends Gavilan College. Reach her at 847-7216 or ba*****@**********rs.com.
