Tarzan star Ron Ely’s wife killed in their home
Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed 30-year-old Cameron Ely, the son of Tarzan actor Ron Ely, who is suspected of stabbing the actor’s wife Valerie Lundeen Ely to death Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday at the actor’s Hope Ranch home in the 4100 block of Mariposa Drive. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the home on a report of a family dispute. Upon arrival, deputies contacted Ron Ely and discovered the 62-year-old Ms. Ely deceased after suffering multiple stab wounds, Raquel Zick, sheriff’s spokeswoman, said in a news release.
“While on scene, deputies identified the suspect as the Ely’s son, 30-year-old Cameron Ely,” Ms. Zick said.
Deputies searched the residence and surrounding area for Cameron Ely and located him outside the home. Authorities said he “posed a threat” and four deputies fired their service weapons at Cameron Ely, fatally wounding him. No deputies were injured during the incident, Ms. Zick said.
A shelter-in-place alert was sent to area residents advising them to remain in their homes as deputies searched for Cameron Ely.
“The deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave, which is routine following any officer involved shooting,” said Lt. Erik Raney, sheriff’s spokesman.
The sheriff’s office is conducting criminal, coroner’s, and administrative investigations of the incident. Autopsies of both the victim and the suspect are pending, Ms. Zick said.
The names of the deputies involved in the shooting will be released at a later date.
