Coroner Rules Murder/Suicide In Shooting Deaths

"ROANOKE, VA — Police ruled the deaths of two people found in a Brandon Avenue home Monday morning a homicide-suicide.

"Police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson identified the dead Tuesday afternoon as Erin Elizabeth Thomas, 31, and Jon Peter McIlroy, 58, both of Roanoke.

"After autopsies were performed Tuesday, the medical examiner deemed the deaths a homicide-suicide. Johnson said McIlroy, who was found with a firearm near his body, is the suspect.

"Thomas owned the house on 1101 Brandon Avenue where police found the victims Monday morning. McIlroy also lived at the house, Johnson said, but they were not a married couple.

"Police found Thomas and McIlroy in the residence after responding to a call at 9:55 a.m. Monday.

"Johnson said police had to delay releasing the names of the dead because McIlroy did not have family in the area. Police reached his next-of-kin Tuesday afternoon.

"Neighbors said Thomas has a daughter in middle school.

"Two Boston terriers were retrieved from the home Monday morning after police responded."

From roanoke.com...