He Was A Carpenter, She Was A Lady

"VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — A husband killed his wife and himself while their 5-year-old slept upstairs in their home.

"Police say Donna Butcher, 40, called 911 for help, but by the time police arrived Steve was dead. Donna was taken to the hospital where she soon died.

"`He was very kind and he was nice and very intelligent. We didn't hear any noise there or anything or arguing or anything like that,` says neighbor Sandy Kaiser.

"Steven has a truck for his construction business. He specialized as a carpenter, but neighbors say for two years he had trouble finding work. In two weeks he was scheduled to have back surgery. Neighbors say the loss of income and injury didn't put any unneeded stress to their marriage.

"Child Protective Services had to explain to their young son what happened to his parents.

"He is currently being taken care of by grandparents. Police say the shooting appears to be spontaneous.

"To both neighbors and police the two didn't seem to have any lingering anger towards one another.

"`To my knowledge we have not been to that one in the past,` says Officer Barnes.

"The medical examiner's office lists says Steve shot Donna in her torso and arms and then the 43-year-old husband shot himself in the head."

From WTKR.com...