The son of former “Tarzan” actor Ron Ely fatally stabbed his mother at the couple’s California home, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Police responded to a family disturbance call Tuesday night and discovered Ely’s 62-year-old wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, had been stabbed to death by their 30-year-old son Cameron, Public Information Officer Raquel Zick confirmed to USA TODAY.
Cameron, one of the Elys’ three children, was shot and killed by police after he threatened officers, the statement added.
“Deputies searched the residence and surrounding area for Cameron Ely. During the search, the suspect was located outside the home,” Zick said. “He posed a threat and in response 4 deputies fired their service weapons at the suspect, fatally wounding him.”
Police are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the statement, adding that autopsies are being conducted for “both the victim and the suspect.”
Ely, 81, best known for his titular role in the NBC series “Tarzan,” was not injured during the incident. USA TODAY has reached out to Ely’s representative for comment.
“Tarzan” debuted in 1966 and ran for two seasons. Ely’s most recent acting credit was in 2014, when he appeared in the Lifetime drama “Expecting Amish” opposite Jesse McCartney and Disney Channel alums Alyson Stoner and AJ Michalka, according to IMDb.
