Authorities say Andrew Daou, 22, was killed by his father Ed Daou before he shot himself. (CBS) Authorities say Andrew Daou, 22, was killed by his father Ed Daou before he shot himself. (CBS)

LOS GATOS (CBS SF) — Sixteen months ago, Imad Ed Daou bought a .38-caliber handgun to kill his cancer-stricken son, telling others he did not want the 22-year-old to suffer like some of his other relatives had, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

Then on the night of July 26, Daou took his son, Andrew, and his son’s girlfriend out to dinner. He invited his daughter, Christina, to come along, but she declined.

The next time Christina Daou would see her father and brother was the following night at Imad Daou’s home in the 14000 block of Clara Street, north of Los Gatos. They were found dead, lying in their own beds, each with a single gunshot wound.

Sheriff’s detectives believe Imad Daou killed his son and then took his own life with a .38-caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. The gun was found next to him.

He had told others that if Andrew could not beat the cancer, he would end his son’s life. Andrew’s autopsy showed he was cancer-free.

“We don’t know what was going on in his head,” Sgt. Troy Smith, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office said.

He said it is possible Imad Daou carried out the act to take revenge on his wife, who filed for divorce three weeks ago. She had also obtained a restraining order against her husband requiring him to stay away from her and Christina.

The couple had a history of domestic violence, although no charges were ever filed, according to the sheriff’s office.

A memorial service for Andrew Daou will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Home Church, located at 1711 Winchester Blvd. in Campbell.

Andrew was studying business at the University of San Diego and had attended Valley Christian High School in San Jose.

His girlfriend, Tessa Furtado, shared her thoughts on his Facebook tribute page.

“I will never forget how you loved me; the music you played for me, the loving poems you wrote me, the looks of love… And so much more that I don’t have the heart or strength to write,” Furtado wrote. “I only wish I could have these things just one more day.”

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