City of Hope staff reacted quickly when a man and woman were shot in employee parking lot A on June 13.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s investigators reported that Fernando Rodriguez, 41, shot his wife, Katherine Rodriguez, 33, then took his own life. Katherine Rodriguez died at the scene. Fernando Rodriguez died from his wounds en route to a local hospital.

The couple, who resided in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., were apparently having marital problems, according to sheriff’s officials. Fernando Rodriguez was a fire captain and 16-year veteran of the Monrovia Fire Department. City of Hope found no indication that either victim was an employee or patient of the institution.

The incident disquieted many on campus, and City of Hope leadership hastened to reassure employees, patients and their families and visitors that they were not in danger.

“Obviously we are all very upset by what happened,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer. “This is the first time anything like this has happened here, and our primary concern was ensuring that our patients and staff were safe.”

Roya Naqvi, director of media relations, said the hospital was not locked down during the sheriff’s investigation, and patient care services remained uninterrupted.

City of Hope management also indicated that assistance is available for City of Hope employees through the institution’s Work n’ Life Matters employee assistance program. Employees may find information about Work n’ Life Matters on the staff intranet at www.coh.org/worknlifematters.