Spreckels Mystery: TV Report Says Detectives ‘Reasonably Confident’ Zahau Killed Herself

A report posted on NBCSanDiego’s website Saturday citing sources “who have knowledge of the investigation” of the Spreckels mansion mystery said that detectives are “reasonably confident” that the death of Rebecca Zahau was a suicide.

Zahau died at the historic home on July 13. She was found hanging from a second-floor balcony—nude with her hands and feet bound—by homeowner Jonah Shacknai’s brother. Her death came two days after Jonah Shacknai’s six-year-old son, Max, fell from a staircase in the home and sustained a severe head injury. The boy later died of his injuries.

NBCSanDiego reported that their sources said Zahau was watching over Max Shacknai when he fell and felt “tremendous guilt” because of his injuries. The station’s sources also said that Zahau may have bound her hands and legs so she wouldn’t save herself.

The deaths generated national headlines as media descended on Coronado looking to report any breaks in the case, but no official statements by investigators have been made in recent weeks. Coronado police are investigating Shacknai’s death, and the Sheriff’s Department is investigating Zahau’s death.

A page on the Sheriff’s Department website has been dedicated to posting press releases concerning the case. The last release with details was posted on July 14.