“... suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. According to the Chronicle, he was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Police believe he had tried but failed to kill himself.”
He didn’t try very hard! (non life-threatening injuries).
PRETENDING to commit suicide.
Maybe he thinks his wife will have sympathy for him and that they can get back together. /S
Sad to say, you are probably right.
A pistol to the head is the most successful method of suicide. (rifle is second, hanging third). A pistol almost cannot fail, over 99% succeed. It does seem strange this guy could exercise the precision and calm attention necessary to kill two children, and then not pull off the easier task. If he deliberately spared his own life he’s a despicable coward.