Lethal Desperation

"TAYLORS, SC — Investigators say that desperation over health problems led to the murder/suicide of an elderly Taylors couple.

"An autopsy found Joyce Quinn Elliott, 64, died of a gunshot wound to the head, while her 80-year-old husband, Donald E. Elliott Jr., died of self-inflicted asphyxiation, according to county coroner Parks Evans.

"A neighbor who regularly checked on the couple discovered their bodies early Thursday morning in their home at 10 E. Heathwood Drive, according to Drew Pinciaro, a deputy with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

"Pinciaro said both had health problems.

"`Apparently he just didn’t want something to happen to him and leave her behind to have to take care of herself and her medical problems,` Pinciaro said. `So he killed her and suffocated himself.`"

From GreenvilleOnline.com...