MADERA - On December 6, 2022, around 1:00 pm, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 33000 block of Avenue 12 in Madera for a welfare check. When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered two adult victims, one male and one female, both victims of gunshot wounds and both deceased.
MCSO Detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. Preliminary evidence indicates the deaths are the result of a murder/suicide. There is no ongoing danger to the public.
The decedents have been identified as Monty Bounds, 60, and Julie Bounds, 58. The pair had been married for approximately ten years before their deaths. Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies obtained an Emergency Protective Order on behalf of Mrs. Bounds following a domestic violence arrest of Mr. Bounds by deputies in late October. Upon his subsequent arrest for violating the protective order the next day, deputies applied for and were granted a non-release order and bail enhancement motion. Mr. Bounds was released from custody by a Madera Superior Court Judge last month.
At the time of the incident, Mr. Bounds was under a no-contact criminal protective order issued by the Madera County Superior Court. Under the order, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Deputies seized firearms from the property in October when the original EPO was issued. It has been determined that the handgun used in this incident was not registered to Mr. Bounds.
Sheriff Tyson Pogue states, “Everyone has the basic human right to live in safety and free from violence and abuse. MCSO is committed to working with victims and local allied agencies to offer support and resources for those in domestic violence relationships. This was a tragic outcome to a frightful situation. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim as they mourn the loss of their loved one.”
MCSO Detectives are actively interviewing witnesses and associates of the decedents to help determine a timeline of events and understand the circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Madera County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.
Suppose you or someone you love is in an unhealthy relationship. In that case, we encourage you to contact the Community Action Partnership of Madera County at their 24/7 Victim Crisis Hotline: 1 (800) 355-8989 for help.
