Nichole Schrock, 24, of Seaside, an employee of the convenience store, is believed to have been fatally shot by 42-year-old San Jose resident Illya Cavlan before he took his own life, police said.
At about 9:45 a.m., officers responded to the store located in the 300 block of Ocean Street.
Store patrons reported they could not find a clerk, but that the business appeared open. Arriving officers found Cavlan and Schrock dead from gunshot wounds in a back room of the store with a firearm next to Cavlan, according to police.
No patrons at the store were injured, and none are believed to have witnessed or heard the incident. Investigators are trying to pull surveillance video from the business to try to find out more.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the investigations section of the Santa Cruz Police Department at (831) 420-5820. People wishing to remain anonymous may call (831) 420-5995.
