Jason Gillenwater Homicide: Firefighter died after stabbing wife

Jason Gillenwater Death: On December 21, 2023, at approximately 1:45 pm, The California Highway Patrol located the suspect vehicle in Mendocino County. The suspect, 46-year-old Jason Gillenwater, was deceased near his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation revealed that Gillenwater obtained a firearm in Colusa County after the stabbing incident in Pacifica.

On December 14, 2023, at approx. 9:00 p.m. Pacifica Police officers responded to the same residence on Naomi Avenue for a reported domestic violence incident involving Gillenwater and the female victim. Gillenwater was arrested for domestic violence at the scene and booked at the San Mateo County jail. He subsequently posted bail and was released from jail.

Police officers immediately obtained a gun violence emergency protective order and seized firearms and ammunition from the residence. Officers also obtained an Emergency Protective Order. This order prohibited Gillenwater from contacting the female victim or coming within 100 yards of the Naomi Avenue residence in Pacifica.

Chief Sarasua said, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and keeping the family members and Pacifica community close in our hearts as they cope with this profound loss. I am grateful to our San Mateo County allied agencies, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance during this investigation.”