Elderly Couple, Dog Found Dead

"SMITHTON, IL — A southwestern Illinois coroner says an elderly man shot his ailing wife to death before killing their dog and then himself in an apparent murder-suicide.

"St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone tells the Belleville News-Democrat the bodies of 69-year-old Donald Stephenson and 68-year-old Carol Stephenson were found Friday night in a bed in their home in Smithton. Stone estimated they died earlier in the week.

"The couple's dog was found dead on the living room floor.

"Stone called the murder-suicide `heartbreaking` and `self-evident,` requiring no autopsies.

"Funeral services for the couple are pending."

From WICS.com...