Charlie Vanhagar, 54

Charlie Vanhagar, a 54-year-old white woman, was shot and killed Tuesday, Nov. 20, at a senior home in the 3500 block of Maricopa Street in Torrance, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Vanhager, a live-in manager at the home, and Maria Leon, a 53-year-old Latina who was a caregiver, were shot to death at Golden West Tower, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.

The name of the alleged shooter, who employees said was a resident with a history of violent outbursts, has not been released.

The man was seen with a gun about noon near the business offices of the high-rise facility, witnesses said.

Arturo Ramirez, a maintenance worker at the complex, said he spotted the gunman and dashed to the maintenance office, where he locked himself inside and called 911.

He said he could hear one of the victims plead for mercy.

"I heard her say, 'Please, no! Please!'" he said. "Then, I heard two gunshots."

A few minutes later, Ramirez said he heard another gunshot. He remained locked in the office until police found him and escorted him out of the building.

The assailant killed himself after shooting the two women.

Sgt. Robert Watt of the Torrance Police Department said a handgun had been used and that investigators were still probing possible motives for the killings.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

--Kate Mather and Ruben Vives