On Christmas Eve, 45-year-old Bruce Pardo dressed up as Santa and went to his ex-wife's parents house and opened fire, killing at least nine people. Investigators say Sylvia Pardo left her husband after she discovered he abandoned his brain-damaged son years earlier, but continued to claim him on his tax returns.

Bruce Pardo not only lost his marriage, but also his job and the family dog. He even petitioned the judge for his ex-wife to pay him support and cover his attorney fees.

Bruce and Sylvia Pardo's marriage was dissolved about a week before the deadly Christmas Eve rampage and investigators say Bruce was seeking revenge. Authorities believe Pardo intended to flee to Canada, but committed suicide after the shooting spree and setting fire to his in-law's home. Police found a plane ticket to Canada and $17,000 cash on Pardo.

Sylvia Pardo, her parents, her two brothers and their wives, her sister and her nephew are among the dead. The coroner was still trying to identify the other bodies, which were badly charred in the fire.

Read more hot stories Moms Are Talking About.