Amy Lynn Walston, 35

Amy Walston, a 35-year-old white woman, was found dead Sunday, Aug. 15, in the 1900 block of Lees Avenue in Long Beach, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Police went to El Dorado Park about 4 p.m. to assist park rangers on a "person with a gun" call, according to a Long Beach Police Department news release. When they arrived at the location, they found a man sitting by a tree who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

The man was identified by the coroner's office as Jason Walston, a 38-year-old white man, of Long Beach.

Later that day, authorities went to Walston's home to notify his next of kin about the death. After receiving no response at the door, police forced their way into the residence to check the well-being of the occupants, police said. Once inside, they found the body of Amy Walston, Jason Walston's wife.

According to coroner's records, Amy Walston died from neck compression and ligature strangulation.

Based on preliminary information, investigators believe Jason Walston killed his wife before committing suicide. The motive for the killing has not been released.

The couple had a 4-year-old daughter, but she was staying with other family members at the time of the incident.

[Note: This homicide did not appear on the report at the beginning of the week. It was added Aug. 26, 2010, after The Times learned about the homicide in a news release.]

Anyone with information about the deaths of Amy and Jason Walston is asked to contact homicide Dets. David Rios and Roger Zottneck at (562) 570-7244.

-- Sarah Ardalani