Manhunt Ends In Killer's Suicide

"SISTERSVILLE, WV — An ex-convict and Iraq war veteran who had been sought nationwide in the shooting deaths of his ex-girlfriend and her pregnant sister in Michigan was found dead at a cabin not far from Sistersville, police said today.

"The U.S. Marshals Service, following up on a lead, discovered the body of Thomas Fritz Tuesday night inside the cabin located on Cow House Road, according to Michigan State Police Lt. Sean Furlong. It was later confirmed Fritz died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"U. S. Marshals, West Virginia State Police and Tyler County sheriff's deputies, along with several other departments, converged on the residence Tuesday. Shortly after they arrived, a shot rang out. Authorities, who had been trying to track down Fritz since Friday's shootings, had urged caution, saying the former military police specialist was armed and dangerous.

"Fritz, 38, was charged with killing his 33-year-old ex-girlfriend, Amy Merrill, in a house they shared in Blissfield, a village on the edge of southern Michigan's scenic Irish Hills region.

"He also was accused of killing the woman's younger sister, who was eight months' pregnant, and shooting and wounding their 52-year-old mother, Robin Lynn McCowan.

"All were shot in Blissfield, about 20 miles northwest of Toledo, Ohio. Police found the women at a home after responding to a 911 call from one of the victims.

"McCowan is hospitalized, and police say she is recovering from surgery."

From The Intelligencer...