Welfare Check Uncovers Murder/Suicide

"Marshallton Heights, DE - The state Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled that the deaths Monday of a Marshallton couple was a murder-suicide.

"New Castle County police officers summoned to the home about noon in the 3800 block of Orchard Road in Marshallton Heights found the pair dead of apparent gunshot wounds.

"A female friend of the man went to the home after he missed an appointment and found the front door open. She telephoned police to check on his welfare.

"Officers arrived and found the man and woman dead of apparent gunshot wounds, said Major Michael McGowan, a county police spokesman.

"They were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Jay Lynch, deputy principal assistant for the state Health and Social Services, identified the victims as Bonnie Rowe, 60, and William Rowe III, 52.

"An autopsy revealed Bonnie Rowe had been shot in the head.

"Her death had been ruled a homicide, Lynch said.

"William Rowe then turned the gun on himself.

"His death has been ruled a suicide.

"County police detectives are continuing to investigate."

From delawareonline.com...