Candlelight vigil planned for couple found dead inside Hesperia home

VictorValleyNews September 7, 2019

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A candlelight vigil will be held tonight for a couple found dead inside their home in Hesperia.

Loved ones have identified the victims found deceased as 39-year-old Melissa Graetz and Jason Culberson, 44, both residents of Hesperia.

According to a Facebook post, the candlelight vigil is planned for Saturday, September 7th at 7:00 pm on C Avenue at Melissa’s antique shop in Hesperia. “Please come and show your love and support as this is a very horrific unexpected occurrence that has crushed us all.”

Authorities said in a press release deputies responded to the 9000 block of C Avenue on September 3, 2019, at about 6:03 pm to conduct a welfare check on the occupants of the home.

“Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased female and a deceased male inside the residence,” stated the release.

The thorough and lengthy investigation lasted nearly 24 hours as Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) photographed and collected evidence inside the residence, located next door to an antique shop. Jason’s white pickup truck parked in front of the location was dusted for fingerprints.

Authorities haven’t provided any information on the cause of death or if any foul play is suspected.

Loved ones have taken to social media to express their love, sadness, and frustration over the deaths.

“Melissa was my friend, I’ll always remember the talk’s we would have, her kindness, how funny she could be, and how much she loved animals. She would bring me beautiful birdhouse’s for my yard and the coolest toys for my grandson. That’s how I will remember her. She was beautiful inside and out,” commented Leila Ooley.

“They were both beautiful souls that were savagely taken from us. They will be greatly missed,” commented Sandra Hawkesworth.

“That is my brother and his girlfriend, they both were shot, murdered, they will be missed so much! Love always,” Ginny.

Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division, Detective David Carpenter at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.

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