Financial Problems & Abuse Preceded Murder/Suicide

"ST. JOHNSBURY, VT — Vermont police say a St. Johnsbury couple has died in a murder-suicide.

"Police say 50-year-old Penny Birch and 55-year-old David Birch were found dead inside their home Monday afternoon.

"Police say Penny Birch was shot in the head in a homicide and that David Birch shot himself.

"Authorities found the bodies after Penny Birch didn't show up for an appointment with a friend Sunday afternoon.

"Police say interviews with family, friends and acquaintances indicated that the couple had been having financial problems and that David Birch had been physically abusing Penny Birch.

"Police say Penny Birch had told a friend before the shooting that she was going to tell her husband that she was leaving him and then exit the home."

From WPTZ.com...