LATHROP — A 40-year-old Patterson man and his 10-year-old son were found shot to death about 8 a.m. Friday by a ranch security officer in a field west of Interstate 5 and the Manthey Road off ramp in Lathrop.

Sheriff’s deputies believe the deaths were possibly a murder-suicide.  Officers reportedly broke into the van through the driver’s side window to gain entry and found the driver had been shot in the upper torso.  In a further search of the van the youth was discovered in a rear seat of the vehicle.  He too had been shot and was deceased at the scene, according to a sheriff’s spokesman.

The adult was identified as Anthony Lee Williams, Sr. and the youth Hussan Williams, 10. 

A weapon was found in the van.

Deputies made notification with the wife and mother in Patterson and learned that the couple had been going through a divorce.

Sheriff’s public information officer Les Garcia said Friday evening that his department is withholding the release of further information as the investigation is continuing.  Deputies were at the scene most of the day, he added.