A San Diego man strangled his estranged wife and then shot himself to death in a casino parking lot last week, leaving the couple’s three adult children with a desperate search for their parents just before the holiday.

Melissa, 45, and Johnny Soto, 52, were reported missing by their children after Johnny Soto sent the youngest, Vincent, away so he and his wife could “talk” on December 20, as CrimeOnline reported. Vincent Soto said his father texted him about 90 minutes later that they were going out, so he could come back, but the couple never returned.

Their bodies were found Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo.

San Diego Police said Johnny Soto died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Melissa Soto was strangled, KNSD reported.

Family said the couple had been married for more than 20 years but separated over the summer.

Neighbors surveillance video showed suspicious activity around the home where Johnny Soto lived on the night the couple disappeared. Melissa Soto’s car pulled into the driveway, then minutes later backed out and turned around, backing into the driveway. Another camera showed the trunk to her car and the garage door open. Later, Johnny Soto appears to drive away in his truck, leaving his wife’s car in the driveway.

That was the last movement at the house until Vincent Soto returned.

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[Featured image: Melissa Soto and Johnny Soto/Facebook]