On August 8, 2013, Janet Pettit, 59, and her husband Scott Pettit, 59, were found dead in their Modesto, California, home after an early-morning fire. Janet was a neonatal nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Scott owned the Riverbank Black Belt Academy and taught martial arts. Both suffered gunshot wounds before the fire was set; Scott was shot five times, including twice in the head, and Janet was shot twice, in the head and thigh. Accelerants were found on clothing and furniture, and investigators concluded the fire was intentionally set.

Police arrested the couple’s son, Brandon Pettit, and his friend Felix Valverde III about a week and a half after the killings. Authorities alleged the killings were part of a conspiracy to obtain life insurance proceeds and to sell Scott’s vintage cars; both men were charged with premeditated murder, arson, and burglary. Brandon had been working a night security shift when the murders occurred, but investigators cited phone records and other evidence in their case. Felix was reported to have been found with the Pettits’ wallets and house keys.

Family, neighbors, and the wider community have struggled with the violence and the loss of two established local professionals. Does anyone have information about the couple’s final days or about movements in Modesto on August 8, 2013?