A senior nonprofit executive behind downtown Santa Monica’s business and placemaking efforts was found dead alongside his wife in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide inside their Venice residence, according to law enforcement sources.
Jeremy Ferguson, who served as Director of Operations for Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., was discovered Tuesday morning with a gunshot wound.
His wife, Mandy Zelinka, was also found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound.
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the home around 11 a.m. on Tuesday after a call reporting a suicide.
When they arrived, they found both individuals deceased from gunshot injuries.
Ferguson had earlier sent a suicide note by email to a friend, along with instructions on how to access the property.
That friend later arrived at the home and contacted police, according to NBC4.
Investigators are treating the case as a murder-suicide and believe Ferguson shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.
A possible motive has not been disclosed.
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. issued a statement mourning his death.
“Our hearts are broken as we process the news of the passing of Jeremy Ferguson,” said DTSM CEO Debbie Lee. “Jeremy was a cherished member of our team and a true champion for Downtown Santa Monica. His passion for placemaking and the dedication he brought to his work each day made a lasting impact. He will be deeply missed.”
Ferguson brought more than 25 years of experience in public service and transportation to his role.
Earlier in his career, he was elected mayor of Milwaukie, Oregon, a Portland-area suburb, serving from 2009 until his resignation in February 2015.
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At Downtown Santa Monica, Ferguson oversaw several high-profile projects, including a redesign of the Ice at Santa Monica seasonal rink, which increased capacity by 25% and generated nearly $1.1 million in gross revenue during its 2023–24 Netflix-sponsored season, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press.
In August 2024, he helped launch Roll at Santa Monica, the city’s first outdoor seasonal roller rink.
He also served on the board of the Santa Monica History Museum.
His death comes amid ongoing concerns about conditions in downtown Santa Monica.
A local product designer recently mapped storefront occupancy along the Third Street Promenade, finding that 28.5% of storefronts are vacant.
The outdoor shopping district, once a major draw for visitors near the beach, has faced declining foot traffic in recent years amid shifts toward online retail and rising homelessness in the city.
Recent business closures have added to the area’s challenges, including the announced shutdown of The Misfit Bar and Restaurant after 15 years in operation inside the historic Clock Tower building.
Separately, The Britannia pub said it will close in the future and be replaced by a Taco Bell Cantina, drawing backlash from some residents.
Santa Monica has also continued to grapple with public safety concerns.
A Santa Monica police officer was shot and injured in an “ambush” attack at the Third Street Promenade last year, and the city remains under a Local Emergency on Homelessness entering its fourth year.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.