Bodies Found In Separate Locations

"ATHOL, MA — Police are investigating the deaths of an Athol couple whose bodies were found Sunday in separate locations, Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel said.

"Authorities were alerted to the death of 33-year-old Eric D. Johnson at about 9:45 a.m. Sunday. Fisherman discovered his body in the Connecticut River near the French King Bridge, which is on Route 2 at the border of Gill and Erving. Authorities believe the cause of death is suicide, Scheibel said.

"Nearby, authorities found a 2002 Subaru Forester that was registered to Johnson’s wife, 42-year-old Joanne Johnson.

"As police approached the driveway to their Athol home, authorities received a 911 call about a woman – later identified as Johnson -- found dead inside. The call was made by a family member who had gone to visit the home, Scheibel said.

"She said that authorities continue to investigate the cause of Joanne Johnson’s death, but that it appears suspicious.

"The couple have two children, 8 years old and 22 months old, who were with relatives at the time of the deaths, Scheibel said."

From boston.com...