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., and his wife, Mandy Zelinka, were both found with gunshot wounds Tuesday morning.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to the home around 11 a.m. on Tuesday after receiving a call related to a possible suicide.

Ferguson had earlier sent a suicide note by email to a friend, along with instructions on how to access the property, according to NBC4. The friend later went to the home and contacted the police.

Investigators believe Ferguson shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. Authorities have not discloved a possible motive.

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 suburb of Portland, from 2009 until his resignation in February 2015.

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 as downtown Santa Monica — where he played a key role in business and placemaking efforts — continues to face mounting economic and public safety challenges.

A local product designer recently mapped storefront occupancy along the Third Street Promenade, finding that 28.5% of storefronts are vacant.

The once-bustling outdoor shopping district has seen declining foot traffic in recent years, as online retail and homelessness issues have weighed on the area.

Recent closures have added to the strain, including the planned shutdown of The Misfit Bar and Restaurant after 15 years inside the historic Clock Tower building.

The Britannia Pub has also announced it will close and be replaced by a Taco Bell Cantina, drawing backlash from some residents.

Santa Monica has also grappled with public safety concerns. A 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.

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