Shooting Rampage Ends In Suicide

"MINNEAPOLIS, MN - A Minnesota man allegedly went on a rampage Thursday, shooting three people dead and wounding another before killing himself, police said.

"Trace Maxwell, 40, a Minneapolis-St. Paul tattoo parlor owner who police say also sold drugs and ran prostitutes, allegedly shot and killed a girlfriend, Amy Terborg, 28, and wounded her roommate, Gina Fredrickson, 20, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Friday.

"Maxwell drove to the home of Jason Rand, 38, allegedly shot and killed him, then drove to another home where police say he fatally shot a third victim.

"Both the third victim and Rand had taken out restraining orders against Maxwell, saying he had threatened them, The Star Tribune reported.

"Maxwell knew all of the victims from business dealings, police said.

"Police focused on Maxwell as a suspect in the rampage after the shooting of Terborg, they said.

"They tracked Maxwell through his cellphone calls, and a dozen police cars followed Maxwell's SUV in a slow-speed chase through city streets, the newspaper said.

"Detectives were in contact Maxwell by phone, trying to talk him into surrendering, when he apparently shot himself, crashing the SUV.

"`At no point did he give a coherent explanation for why he did these things,` said Capt. Amelia Huffman of the Minneapolis Police Department."

Source: upi.com...

Motel Madness Leaves Three Dead

"AMITY TOWNSHIP, PA - Christopher Dieter, a suspect in the shooting deaths of two sisters in a Berks County motel office, has taken his own life.

"Berks County District Attorney John Adams said Friday that 38-year-old Christopher Dieter shot himself in a Lancaster County hotel with the same shotgun that was used on the victims.

"Authorities still don't know of a motive in the deaths of 60-year-old Carolyn Ann Levan, manager of the Hillside Motel, and her 57-year-old sister Charlene Dale Levan.

"According to investigators, the sisters were employed by the motel. Investigators said the women were found in the employee office at the hotel. Carolyn lived at the hotel and her sister was from Pottstown.

"They were found dead of gunshot wounds to the head Tuesday at the Hillside Motel on U.S. 422 in Amity Township, Pennsylvania Tuesday evening.

"The deadly shooting remains under police investigation."

From CBS3.com...

Kids Found Unaware Of Murder/Suicide

"FATE, TX - The bodies of a woman and a man were found dead at a home in Fate Sunday night in what a Rockwall County Sheriff’s Department spokesman said was an apparent murder-suicide, after a man at that address called 911, said his wife had been unfaithful to him, requested police assistance and then hung up.

"When Rockwall County Sheriff’s officers arrived, Lt. David Davis said they found the bodies in the locked master bedroom. Each had been shot one time and a handgun was lying next to their bodies.

"`By all appearances at the crime scene their deaths were the result of a murder-suicide,` he explained.

"The deceased are a white female, Judith A. Johnson, 50, and a white male, Vincent Michael Oliver, 50.

"They lived in the 600 block of Payton Way in the Woodcreek subdivision in Fate.

"When officers arrived, Lt. Davis said they also found three children safe in another part of the house – 11 and 14-year-old males and a 15-year-old female. The children, who were watching TV, listening to music with headphones and sleeping, told officers they were not aware of the shootings.

"Relatives from elsewhere in Texas were immediately notified and the children have now been taken to live with them.

"The bodies of the deceased were transported to the Dallas Medical Examiner. An official cause of death will be announced soon.

"No other details are known at this time."

Source: The Rockwall News...

Couple Found Dead In Home

"NELSON, VA - Authorities still have not identified the two people found dead Wednesday morning in what the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office has called an apparent murder-suicide in the Roseland area.

"Sheriff David Brooks, who declined to release the names, said Thursday morning that the incident at 3076 Dark Hollow Road involved a husband and wife and authorities don’t yet know the cause. A handgun was found at the scene.

"The couple lived in a well-kept brick and wood-frame home in rolling hills near Roseland, virtually next-door to Seamans Orchard.

"Neighbors and acquaintances gathered in the front yard of a nearby home today said they were surprised and said they had been told nothing. They said the couple had three sons, two of whom worked with their father.

"Brooks was not at the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office in Lovingston this afternoon a dispatcher said, and could not be reached for additional comment.

"Brooks said this morning that investigators do not know what time the incident happened.

"The sheriff’s office is not pressing charges and is not looking for any other suspects, Brooks said.

"Brooks said the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and no outside agency has been called in."

From newsadvance.com...

Father, Son Found Dead In Driveway

"GRAY, ME - Maine police say a father and son were shot to death in the driveway of their home in Gray and that there's no indication anyone else was involved.

"Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety Department identified the victims as 44-year-old Daniel McLatchie and 22-year-old Benjamin McLatchie. He says a rifle was found near the bodies, and investigators found no evidence that anyone else was involved in the shootings.

"McCausland said the two men lived at the home at 1227 Yarmouth Road in Gray with Allison McLatchie, 45, the wife and mother of the victims. She was at work at the time of the shootings.

"Deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department found the bodies after being called to a house on Route 115 at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"Dr. Margaret Greenwald, the state's chief medical examiner, visited the scene. McCausland said autopsies will be performed Wednesday in Augusta."

From WCSH6.com...

"Wonderful Neighbors" Found Dead

"OCEANSIDE, CA - A couple were found dead inside their Fire Mountain home Tuesday in what appears to be a murder-suicide, an Oceanside police sergeant said.

"Records show the home at 2464 Fire Mountain Drive belonged to John A. and Barbara C. McWorthy, and neighbors confirmed the two lived there.

"A co-worker of one of the residents called police Tuesday concerned because the person had not come to work, Sgt. Jeff Brandt said. Police went to the house at 12:45 p.m. and entered to find the deceased pair, Brandt said.

"After speaking with investigators, neighbor Traci Newcomb said she was surprised and saddened by what they told her.

"`They were wonderful neighbors,` Newcomb said as tears began to fill her eyes. `It's just a terrible loss.`

"Sgt. Karen Laser would not give any identifying information about the victims, including their genders, ages or relationship. She said police were not searching for other suspects and did not believe a suspect was at large.

"Oceanside homicide detectives obtained a search warrant for the home and were investigating Tuesday evening, Brandt said.

"Felicity May, a neighbor, said the couple were in their 60s."

Source: North County Times...

Soldier Kills Wife, Daughter Before Shooting Himself

"ANCHORAGE, AK - A Fort Richardson soldier recently back from Afghanistan shot and killed his wife and 8-month-old baby before turning the gun on himself in a failed suicide attempt, Anchorage police said Tuesday.

"Preliminary autopsy findings revealed Spc. Kip Lynch, a 21-year-old military policeman, was the person responsible for the double homicide discovered Monday morning at the family's South Anchorage apartment, police spokesman Lt. Dave Parker said.

"After killing his family, Lynch shot himself in the head, according to police. He remained hospitalized in critical condition on Tuesday with injuries that have precluded him from communicating with detectives.

"The carnage was found Monday morning after two military police officers went to the apartment to find out why Lynch had failed to report to work. They knocked on the door of his home in the 9900 block of William Jones Circle and got no answer, so a landlord let them in about 7:30 a.m., police said.

"They found the bodies of Lynch's wife, 19-year-old Racquell Lynch -- who goes by Kellie -- and the couple's daughter, 8-month-old Kyirsta Lynch, both of whom had been shot.

"`It was horrifying, just horrifying,` Parker said. `I just can't understand that kind of behavior.`"

From The News Tribune...

Murder/Suicide Ends In Cemetary

"PLANTATION, FL - A woman who was shot dead at an apartment complex Monday night was likely killed by her estranged husband who later committed suicide, police said.

"Guilouse Cenatus, 37, was found dead on the sidewalk outside an apartment building in the Plantation Gardens complex, located in the 7600 block of Northwest Fifth Street, Police Detective Phil Toman said.

"Several people at the complex said it looked like Cenatus was shot as she ran out of an apartment in her underwear around 9 p.m.

"At about 9:24 p.m., authorities were called about a suicide at the Pompano Beach Cemetery at 400 S. Federal Highway, according to police. Cenatus' estranged husband, Wilbert Lormeus, 39, had shot and killed himself, police said.

"It appears that the estranged couple died in a murder-suicide, Toman said."

From SunSentinel.com...

Domestic Dispute Leaves Two Dead

"North Las Vegas, NV - North Las Vegas Police are investigating an apparent murder - suicide. It happened on Copper Pine Avenue near 5th Street and El Campo Grande Avenue. Police say two people were found dead inside a home.

"According to family members, one of the victim's is a 27 year old woman. The woman's family says the other person dead is her boyfriend, who turned the gun on himself after killing her.

"Police say they were called to the house earlier today for a domestic dispute. When police arrived, no one answered the door. Hours later, police received a 911 call about a domestic situation taking place. When police arrived they found two people dead inside the home.

"Police are not looking for any suspects."

From KTNV.com...

Father, Daughter Found Dead

"LEE'S SUMMIT, MO – A mother came home Wednesday night to find her teen daughter shot to death. In the backyard, police say the father had already turned the gun on himself.

"On Thursday, a quiet Lee’s Summit community struggled to understand what investigators call a murder-suicide.

"On a street where it’s rare to even see a speeding ticket, long-time resident Anne Delano knew something was wrong when Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies swarmed a few houses away in the 25000 block of Milton Thompson Road, just west of Lake Lotawana.

"`I was scared. At first I saw an ambulance and fire truck and thought it was maybe a health issue, but the way everyone kept coming, I knew it was something else,` said Delano.

"When deputies arrived at the scene, they found 12-year-old Gabrielle Morejon [Facebook memorial here] dead inside the basement of the home and her 58-year-old father, George Morejon, dead inside a vehicle located behind the home.

"The couple’s teenage son was found wandering in the backyard unharmed.

"Investigators say the husband was in a dispute with his estranged wife and had been living in a separate area of the home. Court records show a judge granted a 6-month restraining order against Morejon in August, 2007.

"Neighbors said there were no obvious signs of trouble at the home."

From KSHB-TV...

Convenience Store Mayhem

"QUINCY, FL - Quincy Police Chief Ferman Richardson has identified Charles Hall as the man found dead of a self-inflicted gun shot at the Kelly's Jr. convenience store.

"Hall, 57, had entered the Winn-Dixie on West Jefferson Streeet and shot Melinda Williams in the bakery section at about 10:40 this morning, before driving to Kelly's.

"Williams has undergone surgery at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is listed in stable condition, according to Richardson.

"Williams, 37, had filed an injunction against Hall in February.

"They had lived at the same address."

From tallahassee.com...

Killer Has Second Thoughts About Suicide

"SOUTH FAYETTE TWP, PA - What began as an investigation into a house fire in South Fayette Township early this morning is now a homicide investigation.

"Police sources have confirmed that detectives are now looking into the possibility that a man who escaped from his burning home this morning killed his wife and intended to kill himself, but decided not to go through with a suicide attempt.

"According to South Fayette Township Police Chief Louis Volle, about 10 different fire companies responded to the fire at a home in the 100-block of Locust Lane just after 3:00 a.m.

"The unidentified man managed to jump from a second-floor window of the home. Officials found his wife dead inside.

"The man was taken to the hospital; but officials have not yet released his name or condition."

From KDKA.com...

Shooting Rampage Leaves Two Dead

"WICHITA FALLS, TX - Wichita Falls police are investigating whether a rampage that left two people dead and four hurt -- was about race.

"Police say a white man shot up a book store cafe, wounding four women, then killed a bar worker before holing up in a home -- and committing suicide.

"Sgt. Joe Snyder says Ross William Muehlberger's rampage, which ended early yesterday, may have been motivated by racial hatred.

"Snyder says several witnesses said the suspect was yelling racial epithets during Tuesday night's shootings.

"3 of the wounded women are black. The other is Hispanic. None suffered life-threatening injuries. Two are stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base.

"Muehlberger was facing aggravated assault charges in the October stabbing of 2 men at a Lake Wichita park. He'd been sentenced to probation in 2008 after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery.

"He was charged with aggravated assault on Dec. 31 for allegedly threatening to kill a girlfriend."

From KSWO.com...

Another Elderly Couple Found Dead

"SONOMA, CA - Sonoma police discovered what they believe is a murder-suicide in a city residence.

"The discovery was made at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday in an apartment off Guadalupe Drive in a northeast neighborhood near Arnold Field. According to Sonoma Police Sgt. Ruben Martinez, the discovery was made when a concerned friend of the victims reported they had not been seen recently. An officer went to the residence where he met the reporting party, concluded from circumstances at the scene there was cause for forced entry, gained access to the residence and found a man and woman dead in a bedroom.

"Martinez said the couple were presumably husband and wife, in their 70s and in poor health. He said notes were found in the apartment indicating a murder suicide.

"Identity of the couple had not been released as of Wednesday evening and police were not releasing key details including cause of death and how long ago the couple had died."

From sonomanews.com...

Highway Chase Ends In Crash, Suicide

"LAKE JACKSON, TX - A vehicle chase involving police and state troopers ends with the suspect dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lake Jackson police also learned that the man had fatally shot his ex-wife in addition to shooting that woman's daughter.

"Officers arrived at approximately 8:45 p.m. Wednesday to a house on Post Oak Street after learning of gunshots fired.

"When the officers first arrived, they saw a vehicle driven away from the house and tried to stop it, but a chase took place instead.

"The chase moved onto State Highway 288 where state troopers used spike strips to stop the vehicle, which crashed. Police say when the vehicle crashed, the driver shot himself and died in the vehicle.

"The man who shot himself allegedly waited for his ex-wife to walk outside of her house and shot her in the yard where she died. Her teen daughter was also shot taken by Life Flight medical helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital in serious but stable condition.

"Investigators say 2-year-old and 12-year-old boy were inside the house when the shooting took place, but were not hurt. The two boys are now in CPS custody."

From FOX Houston...

Lured To Her Death

"KANSAS CITY, MO - Police on Wednesday identified the couple who died in a murder-suicide Monday night as Lorine Greer, 36, and Marvell Greer, 47.

"Marvell Greer apparently lured his estranged wife to his house. He shot her and dragged her body into his garage in the 3800 block of East 60th Terrace. He then shot himself in the head in his dining room in front of their 12-year-old daughter.

"Lorine Greer’s mother is caring for the daughter and two older siblings. Relatives said Lorine had recently moved out of the home."

From KansasCity.com...

Father/Son Murder/Suicide

"NORTHAMPTON, MA - State and local police are investigating the deaths of a Northampton father and son.

"Assistant District Attorney Michael Cahillane [said] that around 4:40 Monday afternoon, officers were called for a well-being check at a home located at 840E Westhampton Road. When officers arrived, Cahillane says that officers found the bodies of two deceased men in the home.

"The victims are identified as 72-year-old John Nathan Sr. and his son 40-year-old John Nathan Jr.

"A police source [said] that this incident appears to be a murder-suicide. Autopsies on both men are scheduled for Wednesday.

"The incident remains under investigation by the Northampton Police Department, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, and the State Police assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney's office."

From WGGB.com...

Gunman Opens Fire At Hospital

"KNOXVILLE, TN — A gunman opened fire outside a hospital Monday, killing a woman and injuring two others before committing suicide, police said.

"Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen IV said all the victims were female and current or former employees of Parkwest Medical Center [map]. The attack happened about 4:30 p.m. outside the hospital's discharge area.

"Police are still trying to determine a motive. A police spokesman said it did not appear that any of the victims were related to the suspect or that there was any connection between them. Spokesman Darrell DeBusk also said it did not appear the suspect was ever employed at the hospital.

"The names of the victims and gunman weren't released by police because the families haven't yet been notified."

Source: clarionledger.com...

Murder/Suicide Puts Schools In Lockdown

"MEDFORD, OR - Medford Police say a man shot a woman then himself at a home on Beekman Drive, both died.

"Chief Randy Schoen says police received several calls to 9-1-1 at about 2:20 Monday afternoon.

"Police at first were not sure how many shots were fired or if there was a suspect on the loose, so they put both Washington Elementary and South Medford High Schools on lockdown.

"Those lockdowns are no longer in effect.

"Police say the female victim's daughter arrived home from school shortly after the shooting.

"Investigators are talking to the girl.

"Police are not sure of the relationship between the man and woman but say they were not married.

"The victim has been identified as Evalina Maria Lattoure, 39, of Medford.

"The suspect’s identity is not being released until next of kin has been notified."

From KTVL.com...

Woman Discovers Bodies Of Husband, Son

"EDMOND, OK — The names of the two men found shot to death were released today by police.

"Curtis Hawker, 62, and his son, Bruce Hawker, 32, were found dead Saturday in a home in the Kingston Addition at 809 New Bond Circle.

"The 911 call came from Ruth Hawker who discovered her husband's and son's bodies, police said.

"`We believe this is a case of murder-suicide,` Edmond police officer James Hamm. `It is still under investigation as to who committed the murder and then the suicide.`

"Hamm said `both men had been shot in the head.` The officer said it is believed the son had been living in the home with his parents.

"Both bodies are at the state medical examiner's office for autopsies."

From NewsOK.com...

Special Olympics Athlete Dead In Double Murder/Suicide

"PERRY, FL - Grief counselors are at the Taylor County Vo-Tech Center this morning, working with Special Olympics athletes who are mourning the death of one of their own.

"Robert Leavins, a decorated Special Olympics athlete and graduate of Gretchen Everhart, was shot and killed on Sunday at a house in Perry.

"Leavins was a student at Taylor County Vo-Tech.

"According to Special Olympics coordinators, Leavins’ mother was also shot and killed and it is believed that Leavins’ father shot and killed himself.

"The state attorney's office has confirmed that three people were shot and killed in a house on Woods Creek Road."

From Tallahassee.com...

Boxer Hangs Himself After Killing Wife

"CARACAS, VENEZUELA - Boxing world champion Edwin Valero has committed suicide in a Colombian jail where he was on suspicion of killing his wife on the weekend, local media said on Monday.

"Venezuelan media quoted police officials as saying that the 28-year-old hung himself with parts of his own clothing in his cell in the Venezuelan town of Valencia some time during the night from Sunday to Monday.

"He had been arrested earlier Sunday after allegedly admitting to hotel staff in Valenica that he had stabbed his wife to death.

"Valero became WBA super featherweight champion in 2006 before vacating the title in 2008 when he moved up to the lightweight division, winning the WBC title in 2009.
The southpaw broke the world record when he won his first 18 fights with a first-round knockout and went on to win all of his 27 professional fights on a knockout.

"He vacated his lightweight title earlier this year to move to the junior welterweight division in the hope of getting a shot at Manny Pacquiao.

"The Filipino boxer is the first in history to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions."

From EarthTimes.com...

Cops Arrive To Find 1 Dead, 1 Injured

"OZARK, AL - Plans to start a different life in a different city ended tragically for a husband on Sunday who authorities said attempted to kill his wife before turning a 22-caliber rifle on himself.

"Sherrea English Powell, 36, was in stable condition at Dale Medical Center on Monday after she was shot twice in the back, once in the leg and once in the arm by her husband, 44-year-old Herbert Powell, Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said.

"Spivey said a neighbor called 911 around 3:30 p.m. concerning a dispute the Powells were having at their residence on Evergreen Avenue.

"When Ozark police and Dale County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to the scene, Spivey said they could not make contact with anyone inside the home.

"When authorities made a tactical entry, they found Herbert Powell dead and Sherrea Powell suffering injuries in a rear bedroom.

"Both were shot before authorities arrived, Spivey said.

"What led Herbert Powell to shoot his wife and then himself remained under investigation on Monday by the Wiregrass Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force.

"Spivey said it appeared the two had been arguing for some time. They moved from Pike County two weeks ago to Evergreen Avenue in Ozark.

"`There is no real clear indication other than there was some type of argument as to why this occurred. As Mrs. Powell gets better she will be able to provide us with much of the information that we will need in this investigation,` Spivey said.

"Spivey said the Powell’s 17-year-old daughter, who was at the home, was placed in the custody of relatives."

Source: Dothan Eagle...

Pair Found Dead At Home In Indiana

"NEW CARLISLE, IN - St. Joseph County Police are calling it a possible murder-suicide.

"A husband and wife were both found shot to death at their home in New Carlisle around five Saturday afternoon.

"Police are not releasing too many details at this point, but say they received a 911 call from a neighbor. The neighbor reported that a female was lying in the front yard of a home on the 55,000 block of Nature View Drive.

"When police arrived, they discovered the woman was shot to death.

"Her husband was found inside the home.

"`We will get some info on them. If there was any problems between the two, if they had problems with individuals, what's going on in their lives, until we can talk to family and friends and we will continue to talk to neighbors,` said Mike Grzegorek with St. Joseph County Metro Homicide.

"Metro Homicide is investigating the case.

"The names of the deceased won't be released until family is notified."

From FOX 28...

Cops Return To Find Double Murder/Suicide

"HARRISBURG, PA - Three people were killed in a domestic dispute Saturday afternoon in Harrisburg, police said.

"Sandra Stewart, 36, and her brother, Charles Stewart, 43, were shot inside a home in the 1700 block of Fulton Street in midtown Harrisburg by her ex-husband. Police identified the killer as Supreme Abdul Shabazz, no age given, of Susquehanna Twp., shot himself in the head in the 400 block of Kelker Street about a block from the home, Harrisburg police Capt. Cindy Baldwin said.

"Dauphin County District Attorney Edward M. Marsico Jr. said police were first called to the home Saturday afternoon because the three adults were involved in a dispute. Sandra Stewart told police she had gone after Shabazz with a baseball bat, but Shabazz told police he was not hurt.

"Marsico said police left the scene, only to be called back a short time later for reports of shots fired. Police then found the Stewarts dead in the home.

"Marsico said a child had been in the home at one time but was not injured. Marsico did not know the relationship between the child and the victims."

From pennlive.com...

"Very Quiet But Nice" Couple Dead

"COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN - In what Police are calling a murder-suicide, two people are dead after a shooting that took place in a Columbia Heights parking lot Saturday morning.

"At about 10:30 a.m., a white Buick followed a woman into the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant of the 4900 block of Cental Avenue, according to witness reports.

"A Columbia Heights Police Officer was a half block away when police say the man shot the woman then turned the gun on himself.

"`It does appear to be a husband and wife,` said Scott Nadeau.

"Columbia Heights Police have not released the names of the victims but the white Buick is registered to a man who lives in a Columbia Heights home three blocks east of the crime scene.

"Crime scene tape now surrounds that home.

"Neighbor Tom O'Brien said a For Sale sign went up in front of the house a little more than one month ago.

"`I'd heard they didn't get along a little bit. It's a shock. It's a huge shock,` O'Brien said.

"Albert Kordiak, a former Anoka County Commissioner and neighbor, said he spoke to the man and woman who lived at the house several times.

"`I just thought a great deal of him. She always kind of stayed in the background not saying so much,` Kordiak said.

"Other neighbors also described the couple as very quiet but nice.

"Asia Chow Mein Restaurant, the business that uses the parking lot where the shooting took place, has reopened since this morning's incident, restaurant owners said."

From KAALTV.com...

Bad Blood Leads To Murder/Suicide

"LOS GATOS, CA - The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department has released the names of the victims in Thursdays double shooting in the Summit area of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Los Gatos.

"Investigators said 67-year-old James Alexander Chimblis and 39-year-old Richard Michael Jones were both found dead at a home on Hutchinson Drive.

"Deputies said they were dispatched to the area after a report of a shooting that occurred at the home.

"Upon arrival, sheriff’s deputies said they located Richard Jones at the base of the steps leading to the front door with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"According to a police report, deputies searched the area for the gunman and located James Chimblis lying in a nearby wooded area. Investigators said he had suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Deputies said Chimblis had two handguns on his person when his body was discovered.
Detectives said they have determined that Chimblis was responsible for Jones' death and acted alone.

"Based on witness statements and evidence seized at the crime scenes, detectives said they were able to determine that Chimblis has expressed ongoing displeasure at Jones due to a financial disagreement and recent lawsuit involving both parties."

From KSBW.com...

Elderly Couple Found Dead

"CHICAGO, IL - An 85-year-old man is suspected of using a rope to strangle his ailing wife before killing himself in their Andersonville home, officials and family said.

"The man and his 78-year-old wife were found dead in their home on the 1600 block of West Balmoral Avenue after a caregiver for the couple was unable to get inside at about 8:30 a.m., according to police and family.

"A family member said the couple had been married more than 50 years. For the last three years or so, the wife had been ill and bedridden, suffering from severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

"`She couldn't do anything; she was like a baby,` the family member said.

"He said the man would open the door for the caregiver every day but failed to do so today.

"Police believe the man strangled his wife with a rope and hanged himself in a bathroom.

"Charles Wolberg, a neighbor who lived in the neighborhood for 14 years said he was surprised to hear about what happened.

"He described the man as `mild mannered and very friendly` and said he would always exchange greetings and small talk with the man who sat on his front steps. He said he had never met the man's wife.

"`He's a little old guy completely incapable of something like this,` Wolberg said."

From Chicago Breaking News Center...

Son Finds Parents Dead

"MIAMI TWP, OH — The couple found dead inside their home at 4900 Sibley Ave. late Thursday, April 15, have been identified as Donald and Betty Smith.

"Autopsies have been scheduled for both this morning, according to an official at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

"Coroner investigators believe Betty Smith, 64, died at the home around 10 p.m. Thursday and that her husband Donald, 64, died around 10:30 p.m.

"Police were dispatched to the home at 11:20 p.m. after receiving a report that a man and woman, both 64, were found dead by their son.

"Deputy Chief of Police John DiPietro said the preliminary investigation indicated many of the hallmarks of a murder-suicide, but the incident has not officially been ruled as such.

"`There’s a lot of forensic work that has to take place,` DiPietro said. `We’re talking with neighbors to see if anyone saw anything.`

"A neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, said the couple have lived at that residence for more than 17 years. He said nothing seemed out of the ordinary earlier in the day Thursday."

Source: Dayton Daily News...

1 Dead, 2 Injured In Attempted Double Murder/Suicide

"GREENWOOD, MS - At least one person is dead and two others are injured following a shooting and attempted suicide at the Curtis Moore Apartments this morning.

"Greenwood Police Chief Henry Purnell said Joseph Morrow, 21, shot King Roby, 17. Morrow then shot Simone Rush, 18, in the shoulder before turning the gun on himself, the chief said.

"Purnell said Roby died on the scene, and Morrow was transported to Greenwood Leflore Hospital.

"Roby and Rush were cousins and seniors at Greenwood High School, according to Margaret Dean, a spokesperson for the school. They moved to Greenwood following Hurricane Katrina. Dean said both were very good students.

"According to a relative who did not wish to be identified, Morrow was an ex-boyfriend of Rush’s."

From gwcommonwealth.com...

Motive Unknown In Death Of Couple

"CENTREVILLE, VA - Fairfax County police responded Monday afternoon for a welfare check in the 6000 block of Raina Drive and found a Centreville couple dead inside their London Commons home — both with apparent gunshot wounds to the upper body. Police arrived, April 12, around 2:55 p.m., and located the bodies of 60-year-old Wayne Woodyard, and 52-year-old Jill Woodyard.

"According to police, the incident appears domestic in nature. `Preliminary indications suggest that Mr. Woodyard shot Mrs. Woodyard and then committed suicide,` said police spokesman Bud Walker. `We don’t know what the motive was, at this time. We may never know.`

"He said police were asked to check on the couple’s welfare by a member of the family, but he had no specific information about the family. He also didn’t know what Wayne Woodyard did for a living and did not disclose exactly where in the home the bodies were found.

"The medical examiner is doing an autopsy on them, and Walker said, `there was contact` with one of the victims and someone else, the day before the tragedy, so police don’t believe they were deceased `for long` before they were discovered."

Source: CentreView...

Father, Daughter Found Dead

"LAKE LOTAWANA, MO - The victims of an apparent murder-suicide near Lake Lotawana were identified today as a 12-year-old girl and her father.

"The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said George Morejon, 58, apparently fatally shot daughter Gabrielle Morejon and then killed himself.

"The sheriff’s office received a 911 call about 6:10 p.m. Wednesday about two bodies at a residence in the 25900 block of Milton Thompson Road, said Sgt. Lane T. Eitel of the sheriff’s office.

"When they arrived, officers found the girl inside the residence and her father in a vehicle behind the home, Eitel said."

From KansasCity.com...

3 Wounded, One Dead In Botched Murder/Suicide

"SEAT PLEASANT, MD - Prince George's county police were on the scene of a multiple shooting that happened Wednesday afternoon outside of a residence in the 6700 block of Hastings Drive, in Seat Pleasant. Police say it was first reported shortly after 4:00 p.m.

"The shooting victims were DC fire fighter Jessica Wimbish and her parents. Wimbish is listed in critical but stable condition at Prince George's Hospital Center. Her parents are listed in stable condition and are being held at local hospitals for observation.

"The suspect in the shooting is 22-year-old Dante Paire the estranged boyfriend of the victim. After shooting the victims he took his own life. Parie was recently suspended from the DC Fire Department. Wimbish was also a DC fire fighter."

From WUSA9.com...

One Dead In Attempted Murder/Suicide

"FEDERAL WAY, WA – Police are investigating the fatal shooting of an elderly woman and the wounding of an elderly man Wednesday afternoon.

"The two people were found at about 3:50 p.m. inside a home in the 30200 block of 26th Place South, near Steel Lake.

"Federal Way Police say a friend called to do a welfare check on the pair.
When police arrived, they forced their way into the home and found the woman dead and the man with a gunshot wound. It's believed to be life-threatening. He is being transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

"Police say they also recovered a gun from the residence.

"It's not immediately known what their relationship is, although police say their ages are about 20 years apart. At least one of them is believed to be a resident of the home.

"Police say it's too early to say whether this was an attempted murder-suicide, but there is no suspect at large."

From King5.com...

Bomb Scare Delays Murder/Suicide Investigation

"BENICIA, CA - A 48-year-old man fatally shot his girlfriend in the Benicia home they shared, then turned the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide, police said Tuesday.

"Police officers found the bodies of Walter Little and 49-year-old Julie Strack at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday in a home on Vista Grande Avenue, after responding to a call from a concerned relative of one of the victims, police Lt. Mike Daley said. A gun was also recovered.

"The relative had not heard from the couple for two days, Daley said.

"Daley said the investigation was delayed after police received an anonymous tip indicating that the home might contain explosives. However, no explosives were found."

From SFGate.com...

Death At The Beauty Parlor

"FLOYD COUNTY, KY - A murder-suicide leaves two people dead in Floyd County.

"It all happened at a beauty shop just before six Monday night in the Jacks Creek Community on Route 1498.

"Officials say David Slone shot at his former wife Tonja Slone several times as she was leaving and killed her.

"Police chased him down and troopers say Slone then turned the gun on himself.

"Witnesses say Tonja Slone had just finished getting her hair done at Terri's Beauty Shop but never made it out of the parking lot.

"Michelle Girodat was across the street. She says she saw Dave Slone pull into the beauty shop parking lot.

"`We heard several fires, gunfire, just pow, pow, pow, pow, just straight in a row.` Girodat said.

"Police say Dave Slone fired more than a dozen shots at Tonja Slone, who was in her mini-van and then say he ran out of ammunition.

"`After emptying the weapon, he went to another location, got another one, returned and continued to fire at her.` Trooper Mike Goble, from the state police post in Pikeville said.

"Police say the beautician tried to help.

"`It's our understanding she was trying to talk to him, to get him to stop shooting at her, and he refused. It's evident without a doubt he intended for her to die.` Goble said.

"Girodat says Dave Slone drove away after firing the second time. Troopers found him a quarter of a mile down the road.

"`I went over to check her for a pulse and there was nothing. she was already dead at that time.` Girodat said.

"Police do not have a motive yet, but friends say the Slones argued for weeks before the shooting.

"Now the small community is mourning the losses.

"Family members [said] Tonja Slone leaves behind three children.

"Funeral arrangements are pending."

From WKYT.com...

Car Fire Deaths May Be Murder/Suicide

"WINCHESTER, TN - A Nashville family is in shock and disbelief after an apparent murder suicide involving a mother, and her 7-year-old daughter.

"Emergency crews were summoned to a vehicle fire in the community of Sewanee, in Franklin County Saturday along Highway 41-A.

"When the smoke cleared, responders were alarmed to find an adult and child burned beyond recognition.

"Deputies escorting a funeral procession first spotted the car on fire.

"The sheriff said there are many unknowns in this shocking and bizarre case. The sheriff cannot say for certain it's a murder-suicide, nor can he say for certain it was Valerie Gooden and her 7-year-old daughter, Willow Gooden, who literally burned alive until an autopsy gives a clearer picture.

"The sheriff wants to hear from anyone who may have passed-by Valerie Gooden's vehicle in the moments before the fire."

From NewsChannel5.com...

Vegas SWAT Team Makes Dramatic Entrance

"LAS VEGAS, NV - Las Vegas Metro police said they are investigating an apparent murder suicide.

"Police said a man and woman were found dead near Paradise and Desert Inn at about 9:45 p.m. on Friday after officers heard gunshots and called in a SWAT team.

"Officials said the SWAT officers entered using flash-bang grenades and found the pair dead.

"Police said the relationship of the man and woman has not yet been determined, but said they are investigating the shooting as a murder-suicide."

From FOX5 News...

Florida Trooper Is Shooter In Murder/Suicide

"CITRUS COUNTY, FL - Deputies in Floral City say a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and his wife have died in an apparent murder-suicide.

"According to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, a 911 call was placed Sunday shortly after 3 a.m. regarding a possible domestic situation in the 4500 block of East Seese Lane.

"Investigators say they believe Eddie Silcox, 48, shot and killed Sandra Silcox, 48.

"Authorities reportedly found trooper Silcox after he apparently shot himself, and he was transported to Citrus Memorial Hospital -- where he also died from his wounds.

"Deputies say Eddie and Sandra Silcox had been married for 29 years, but that they had been experiencing marital issues -- resulting in a recent separation.

"Sheriff's officials say trooper Silcox served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 22 years, joining back in 1988.

"Detectives will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the Silcox deaths, but they do say it appears to be a murder-suicide."

From Bay News 9...

Couple Found Dead In Rented Cabin

"SEVIER COUNTY, TN - The Sevier County Sheriff's Office confirms an autopsy is now complete on a woman they believe was murdered Thursday.

"Sheriff Ron Seals tells us investigators found the bodies of a man and woman who rented a cabin in the Walden Creek area of Sevier County.

"They are calling it a murder-suicide.

"It appears the man killed the woman, then himself.

"The couple was from Memphis.

"Their names have not been released."

From volunteertv.com...

Bodies Found After Two Weeks

"TAMPA, FL — Deputies say a maintenance worker discovered the bodies of a husband and wife inside an apartment Saturday morning, apparent victims of a murder-suicide that occurred about two weeks ago.

"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it appears the husband shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself in a bedroom at 14022 Halstead Court in Ascott Place Apartment Homes. They were found at 10:15 a.m. when the worker came by to check on the residents of the complex, which is near the University of South Florida. Family members have not been notified, so the Sheriff's Office has declined to identify the couple.

"Next-door neighbor Richard Keeley said he saw a late rent notice taped to the couple's door and became concerned when it wasn't taken down.

"`I didn't hear anything but I thought, 'Wow their car hasn't moved in a while,'` the 61-year-old recalled.

"The older couple was quiet but kind, Keeley said, and they'd moved into the ground floor apartment next to his in the past year.

"A faint odor appeared yesterday, Keeley said, but he never thought it was because someone had died.

"`I won't even speculate on what happened,` he said. `They were nice people.`"

From tampabay.com...

Neighbor Finds Three Dead In Trailer

"CORTEZ, CO - Three deaths in a trailer home in southwestern Colorado are likely a double fatal shooting and suicide.

"The bodies of two men and a woman were found Thursday morning in a home about 6 miles outside of Cortez.

"`We're still working on the motive, but at this time it does appear to be a double-murder, suicide,` Montezuma County Sheriff Gerald Wallace said today.

"A handgun was recovered by investigators at the scene.

"The sheriff's office identified the dead men as Jeffery Maze, 45, and Dale Theyer, 60.

"The woman, who was in her early 50s, was not identified, pending notification of relatives who live out of state, Wallace said.

"The sheriff did not indicate who shot whom.

"The bodies were found Thursday in a rural area home on the 13,000 block of County Road 32.

"Another resident on the property, checking on the residents of the home, found the bodies at about 10 a.m. and called 911, Wallace said.

"Agents with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation are aiding investigators with the sheriff's office."

Source: Denver Post...

SWAT Team Arrives In Time To Find Bodies

"COVINGTON, GA — A domestic dispute at a residence in a quiet subdivision in western Newton County ended in the death of a husband and wife Thursday morning.

"According to Newton County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Keith Crum, a call came in early Thursday from 60 Fairview Chase from a woman who told 911 dispatchers that her husband was threatening her.

"Deputies were sent to the scene, but when they repeatedly knocked on the door and tried to make contact with the residents, there was no response.

"`After a certain amount of time, they notified their supervisors and the SWAT team was called out,` Crum said.

"SWAT officers tried to contact the residents via phone, by use of a public address system and finally they threw a `flashbang` stun device through a window of the home.

"`They still couldn’t make contact so the SWAT team made dynamic entry into the house,` Crum said, adding that meant they knocked down the doors.

"Inside they found a man and woman, both deceased, and who appeared to have been shot, Crum said. He said names were being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Law enforcement found one else in the residence.

"`We haven’t reached a conclusion on what happened. We haven’t uncovered any evidence so far that has led us to exclude the possibility of murder/suicide,` he said.

"The couple are believed to be in their 50s and reportedly are the parents of a grown son and daughter. The man is believed to have been a salesman with a plastics company.

"Crum said there was no history of calls concerning domestic violence at the location, nor were the dead couple known to law enforcement."

From rockdalecitizen.com...

Domestic Argument Leads To Murder/Suicide

"TEXAS TOWNSHIP, MI - Two people died Thursday night in an apparent murder-suicide at a townhome complex in Texas Township...

"The victims have been identified as 37-year-old Jennifer Lynn Bickings of Cooper Township and 40-year-old Michael James Cowling of Kalamazoo.

"A domestic argument led to the shootings, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department.

"Residents of Lotus Townhomes, 5860 Briarcliff Lane, called 911 about 11 p.m. to report yelling, fighting and possible gunshots.

"An off-duty paramedic responded to the scene and found a woman bleeding from her head.

"Police at the scene [said] one of the 911 callers was the shooter himself. The suspect, police said, went into the home, barricaded himself inside and threatened to shoot the paramedic.

"Police surrounded the complex near O Avenue and 9th Street, south of I-94, with guns drawn. The area was deemed dangerous and officers encouraged people to stay away. Residents weren't allowed in or out of the complex.

"Police then heard a gunshot from inside the home. They then forced their way into the residence and found the man and woman dead. The paramedic was not hurt."

From WOODTV.com...

Kidnapping Ends In Murder/Suicide

"GRANBY, CO - Two bodies were found inside a home in Granby Thursday morning in what appears to be a murder-suicide, police said.

"On Wednesday, police in Parker, southwest of Denver, issued a radio broadcast that a 38-year-old woman had allegedly been kidnapped by her 53-year-old ex-boyfriend who had a criminal history which included a second degree murder conviction in 1987. He was suspected in a string of gruesome murders with as many as 17 immigrant farm hands.

"The suspect had some vehicles that were registered to an address on Saddle Horn Court in Granby, drawing the interest of Granby Police. Police say officers responded to the area, located one of the suspect's vehicles on an adjacent street, and set up a perimeter.

"Numerous attempts to contact the alleged victim and suspect via cell phone failed. A pole camera was also used to peer inside several windows, but no activity was observed, Granby Police said.

"At about 5:21 a.m., authorities broke a window in the lower part of the home to try and get a better view inside. At that point, a single gunshot was heard.

"Officers immediately entered the home and found the bodies of an adult male and adult female - the same two individuals involved in the reported kidnapping."

From KDVR.com...

"Disturbing" Double Murder/Suicide

"ALHAMBRA, CA - A boyfriend, his girlfriend, and their young child were found shot to death early Thursday morning in an apparent murder-suicide, police said.

"According to Alhambra Police Department Sgt. Joe Flannagan, the bodies of a 25-year-old male, a female between 24 and 25 years old and a child between six months and a year old were found at about 4:30 a.m. in the 800 block of S. Sierra Vista. Their identities were not immediately released. Flannagan said a handgun was found at the scene, but it is unclear who fired the shots.

"`It's disturbing,` Flannagan said. `I don't have any other way to describe it.`

"Flannagan said there were no signs of forced entry. He said eight others living in the four bedroom house were home at the time, but did not witness the incident."

Source: Pasadena Star-News...

Lady Shooter's Motive Unknown

"SIOUX FALLS, SD - Sioux Falls Police are saying a homicide investigation has uncovered a murder-suicide involving a Harrisburg woman and a Sioux Falls man.

"At a news conference today, police spokesman Sam Clemens said that an investigation into the suicide of Kari Jo McFarlane, 45, of Harrisburg led to the discovery of the body of Clint Vanderpoel, 28, at his home in Sioux Falls, and police believe McFarlane was the one who killed Vanderpoel.

"McFarlane was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a friend’s house in the 2500 block of South Ascot Avenue in Sioux Falls at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, Clemens said. The officer investigating the incident received a voicemail early this morning from one of McFarlane’s relatives saying a note was found at McFarlane’s house in Harrisburg that specifically threatened Vanderpoel.

"When police went to Vanderpoel’s house at the 2900 block of North Sweet Grass Avenue today, they found him dead in his bed from a single gunshot wound, most likely from a high-powered rifle, Clemens said. The murder likely happened sometime between 1:15 and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, he said.

"Police do not have a motive and are not sure if one will be uncovered, Clemens said. Clemens described McFarlane and Vanderpoel as acquaintances who had dated in the past."

From ArgusLeader.com...

Dad Shoots 5 Year Old Before Killing Himself

"ANCRAMDALE, NY - A father shot his 5-year-old son and then killed himself in an apparent murder-suicide late Tuesday night in this Columbia County hamlet, officials said.

"The bodies of 42-year-old Franklin Hankerson and his son, Khaliff, were found Wednesday morning at Hankerson's mobile home on Route 82 by the boy's grandfather, who lives next door, said Columbia County Sheriff David W. Harrison Jr.

"Autopsies are scheduled Thursday at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

"The boy was killed with a shotgun and the father took his life with a rifle, authorities said.

"The boy's biological mother, who did not live with Hankerson, had not reported any recent domestic problems, although she reportedly had argued with Hankerson over his marijuana use in front of the boy, authorities said.

"Neighbors said they heard what might have been gunshots at around 11 Tuesday night.

"An investigation is continuing."

From timesunion.com...

"A Mercy Type Deal"

"CENTREVILLE, LA — An elderly man and his wife are dead in what police are calling a mercy killing and suicide that occurred inside Field Memorial Community Hospital Monday night.

"Thomas Edwin Denson, 82, entered his wife’s room at approximately 7:40 p.m. and shot her before turning the gun on himself and firing, Centerville Police Chief Jimmy Ray Reese said.

"`His wife (Betty H. Denson, 83) had Alzheimer’s (disease),` Reese said. `She was getting worse with it and had no hope of it getting better, so it seems to be a mercy type deal.`

"Denson entered the hospital with a .38 revolver in his pocket. Reese said Field Memorial has no security checks for guns.

"`Our entire hospital community is stunned and grieves for this family’s loss,` said Chad Netterville, CEO of Field Memorial, in a press release. `We are focused, right now, on care giving and providing counseling to members of our staff as they process this loss in their workplace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones who have suffered most in this sad situation.`

"Reese said the hospital, the Amite County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations have cooperated fully in the investigation.

"The Densons lived in Centreville.

"The couple shared a birthday — April 15, one year apart — and now a death day."

Source: natchezdemocrat.com...

SWAT Team Finds Bodies

"CALLAWAY, NE - The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an early morning murder-suicide in Callaway.

"According to a press release, just after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday the Custer County Sheriff's Office received a call that shots had been fired at a home about 9 miles southwest of Callaway.

"The 911 call was made by a woman at 77930 Drive 420 who said her husband, Richard L. Malcom, 63, had been shot, her nephew, Jarod M. Malcom, 33, was armed with a shotgun and she was hiding in the house.

"The Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol.

"Before troopers and deputies could arrive on the scene, the woman called her son who lives nearby. He arrived and the woman and her son fled unharmed.

"Troopers and deputies responded and set up a perimeter around the property. The Nebraska State Patrol's Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT Team, was activated.
Upon their arrival at the scene, numerous attempts were made to contact the two men believed to be remaining on the property. In the early morning hours, SWAT Team members entered the house and garage area of the residence. Upon entry into the garage area, SWAT Team members discovered the bodies of two men.

"According to NSP crime scene investigators, Richard Malcom died from a gunshot wound to the head. Jarod Malcom died as the result of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"Autopsies have been scheduled on both of the deceased. The investigation into the incident continues."

From KearneyHub.com...

ATF Agent Is Shooter In Arizona Murder/Suicide

"FLAGSTAFF, AZ - A Flagstaff-based agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives shot and killed his wife, then turned a gun on himself Monday evening.

"Agent Daniel Raponi, 37, and his wife Jessie, 34, were found dead in their home on the 3800 block of Box Canyon Trail just before midnight, said Lt. Ken Koch of the Flagstaff Police Department.

"`We discovered Agent Raponi and his wife both deceased from gunshot wounds,` Koch said, adding that evidence at the scene suggested Raponi shot his wife, then himself.
There were no indications of a struggle or of any signs of forced entry into the home, Koch said.

"Police were notified of the shooting when Raponi's children ran to a neighboring home where a Flagstaff police sergeant lived stating that they heard shots fired in their home.

"Koch said that police are working on why Raponi shot his wife and then took his own life. The investigation is a joint effort between the police department and ATF."

From azdailysun.com...

Early AM Argument Preceded Murder/Suicide

"CHURCH HILL, TN - A fight led to deadly gunfire in Church Hill, Tennessee early this morning.

"Church Hill Police said Jessica Marie Davidson, 29, 230 Silver Lake Road, Apt. B-1, Church Hill, was shot to death by Kevin Shane Cassell, 31, 533 Pembroke Street, Kingsport. Cassell then turned the gun on himself, police said. Davidson was dead when E.M.S. crews arrived. Cassell died on the way to the hospital.

"The shooting happened inside Davidson’s apartment around 3:35 a.m. Tuesday after an argument overheard by neighbors. `The neighbor then heard the woman screaming followed by a gunshot,` a police news release said. `Approximately 30 seconds later, the neighbor heard a second gunshot.`

"From the Church Hill Police news release:

"`Davidson and Cassell have had an ongoing on-again, off-again romantic relationship for the last several years. Our initial investigation has revealed that Cassell was previously arrested due to a domestic disturbance between the pair on 9-6-2007. At that time, Davidson and Cassell were living together at 6733 Carters Valley Road, Apt. 3, Church Hill, TN. A Hawkins County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested Cassell after Davidson called in a complaint of assault against him. The case was subsequently 'nolled' (nolle prosequi, meaning 'will not prosecute').`

"Police are investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide case pending the results of autopsies and TBI forensic lab reports."

From TriCities.com...

Fire And Water

"GRAFTON, WV - Authorities say a Grafton man killed himself last week, shortly after his pregnant daughter's boyfriend suffered fatal burns when his house was set on fire.

"Allen Springs, 19, died Thursday at a burn center in Pittsburgh. Taylor County Sheriff Robert Beltner says Springs' house was doused with accelerant and torched Wednesday night.

"John Shears, 42, the father of Springs' pregnant girlfriend, later killed himself at Jennings Randolph Lake in Mineral County. Authorities said they were investigating his involvement in the fire that killed Springs.

"Mineral County Sheriff Craig Fraley says Shears left a letter at a relative's home in Elk Garden, then went to the lake and made calls on his cell phone. Fraley didn't say who received the calls.

"Shears also left notes and belongings on a bench before shooting himself in the head. His vehicle rolled down the lake's boat ramp into 15 feet of water."

From the Charleston Gazette...

Son Dead, Dad Critical

"MEMPHIS, TN - When the ambulances left the 3100 block of Ruby Cove in the Eastern Hills area of Memphis, both men found shot were alive.

"`Officers received a shooting call,` said Major Michael Hardy with Memphis Police.

"Marion Ingram identifies the two as father and son. He says their names are Jimmy Baker Senior and Junior and says they lived together in the home police were called to.

"`I see them everyday,` Ingram said.

"Besides being neighbors, Ingram says he's also a first cousin. He claims Baker Junior is the one responsible for the double shooting, alleging he shot his father, then pulled the gun on himself.

"`We haven't determined that as of yet,` Major Hardy said when asked about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

"Police kept the cove blocked for about two hours. They didn't confirm a murder suicide but did say they weren't looking for suspects.

"`When family members commit a crime against their own, it's getting real bad,` said Ingram.

"He, like others who lived nearby, stood behind police crime tape while officers looked for clues told. Ingram told Fox 13 he doesn't know for sure what sparked the shooting, but says he did see Baker Junior hours earlier.

"`Didn't see any hostility in his facial, body expression. Little did I know something like this would happen,` said Ingram."

From FOX Memphis...

Brother Kills Brother

"ATHENS, TX - Henderson County Sheriff's are continuing their investigation into a murder-suicide that occurred over the weekend.

"Saturday, just before 4:00 pm, law enforcement was called to 9821 Richardson Road in the Athens area. They found one man dead of gunshot wounds in the living room of the home, and another man dead of a single gunshot wound in a back bedroom. Police now say that Justin Higginbotham, 23, shot his brother, Robert Higginbotham, 26, multiple times with a .45 caliber handgun and an SKS assault rifle, then retreated to a back bedroom where he shot himself once in the head with the handgun.

"Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

"The grandmother of both brothers, as well as Robert Higginbotham's 1-year-old daughter, were in the living room of the residence when the shooting occurred. The girl's mother was on the front porch.

"The home belonged to Robert Higginbotham."

From CBS19.tv...

Elderly Idaho Couple Found Dead

"MERIDIAN, ID - An elderly couple is dead after shots were fired in a Meridian home Sunday evening.

"That report came in around 8 p.m. A man called 911 and hung up, but officers were able to locate the Meridian address on in the 2000 block of W. Sandalwood in the area of Ten Mile and Linder roads, north of Cherry Lane.

"Ada County Coroner Erwin Sonnenberg says 87-year-old Robert Emerson shot and killed his wife, 90-year-old Olive Emerson, and then turned the gun on himself. The coroner said it appeared that both Olive and Robert Emerson planned the murder-suicide.

"Meridian Police Lt. Tracy Basterrechea says investigators were told by family members that Robert and Olive were both suffering from terminal cancer and that was a factor in the decision to take their lives."

From KTVB.com...

911 Call Leads To Gruesome Find

"BISBEE, AZ — The Cochise County Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent murder-suicide Easter Sunday night in the rural community of Fairbank, west of Tombstone.

"Cochise County authorities believe the victims are a husband and wife. 911 received a call from a man saying he shot his wife and wanted to join her.

"Deputies and the Border Patrol responded to the residence. A Border Patrol helicopter crew was dispatched and advised that shots were fired and a man was on the ground.

"Deputies entered and found a woman face down and a man lying near her. Both victims suffered from gunshot wounds.

"Authorities identified the man as 50-year-old David Diaz Sr. The woman's identity was being withheld until family is notified.

"The deaths are under investigation."

From FOX11AZ.com...

Three Hospitalized After Botched Murder/Suicide

"ORANGEVILLE, IL — An Easter shooting sent three people to area hospitals.

"William J. Scott, 58, allegedly went to a home in the 200 block of Hancock Drive and shot his ex-wife, Annette J. Scott, 50, and Rollin E. Dunham II, 52.

"Police responded to a 911 call at the home at 10:30 a.m. and found Annette Scott and Dunham inside, suffering from gunshot wounds.

"Annette Scott is in critical condition at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Dunham was taken to Freeport Memorial Hospital. Officials there would not disclose his condition.

"Police later served a search warrant at William Scott’s home in the 400 block of Bostian Court, where they found him inside with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to Freeport Memorial Hospital and his condition is also unknown.

"The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by its Reserve Unit, Orangeville, Freeport and Rockford police and the Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition."

Source: Rockford Register Star...

Welfare Check Finds Pair Dead

"DICKINSON, ND — Dickinson police are investigating the deaths of a couple as a murder-suicide.

"The bodies of 65-year-old Thomas Bauman and 64-year-old Darlene Bauman were found in their home Friday night.

"Senior Patrol Officer Brian Koskovich says one of the couple's children asked authorities to do a welfare check after the family was unable to get in contact with the couple.

"Koskovich says authorities do not know when the couple died. Autopsies are planned.

"No other details of the deaths were immediately released, but Koskovich says there is no reason to believe anyone besides the couple was involved."

From WDAY.com...

Sheriff Rules Killings Murder/Suicide

"DURANT, MS - Sheriff Willie March has ruled the double shooting from Saturday afternoon a murder-suicide.

"Sheriff March says a 911 call came into his office around 12:30 Saturday afternoon. Deputies found two bodies inside a home located on Highway 12 just outside Durant's city limits.

"Sheriff March says 17-year-old Jesmine Nicole Cherry was shot to death by her boyfriend, 23-year-old Joseph Myrick.

"Myrick later turned the gun on himself, shooting himself in the head."

From WLBT.com...

Two Teens Hurt After Botched Murder/Suicide

"COOPERSTOWN, NY ― A white schoolboy with a rifle chased a black classmate into a police station near the National Baseball Hall of Fame and shot him, then himself, as the lone officer on duty closed in, authorities said.

"The shooter, 16, was hospitalized with a serious wound after shooting himself in the chin, police said Saturday. The other boy, also 16, was hit in the arm. He was treated at a hospital and released.

"The shooting happened Friday afternoon at the small headquarters of the Cooperstown Police Department, across the street from the baseball museum.

"It began when the white teen stepped out of a car with a .22-caliber rifle and began chasing three youths who had been walking through a park near the Hall of Fame Library, village police Chief Diana Nicols said.

"Authorities are investigating whether the shooter was motivated by racial hatred, she said.

"The black teen ran into the lobby the station shares with other municipal offices and took cover behind a partition. The shooter spotted him and fired two bullets, Nicols said.

"One bullet passed through a wall and came within inches of the startled duty officer, James Cox, who leaped to his feet.

"The white teen then shot himself as Cox approached him with his gun drawn and ordered him to drop his rifle, said Nicols, who credited the officer's bravery, and some luck, for halting the attack.

"`If he had been out on patrol, this might have ended very differently,` she said."

From WJZ.com...

Innocent Bystander Victim Of Murder/Suicide

"RICHMOND, VA - An apparent murder-suicide yesterday in Richmond's East End brought to six the number of gunshot deaths this week in Richmond and Henrico County.

"As police closed in on a suspect in yesterday morning's slaying of a Richmond woman, Tarchelle Nicole Daniel, he shot to death an apparently innocent bystander and then fatally shot himself about 5:30 p.m., authorities said.

"Throughout yesterday, police were looking in various neighborhoods for the suspect in Daniel's killing when they spotted him in the area of North 29th, North 30th and S streets, said David M. McCoy, the city's assistant police chief.

"A Richmond officer saw him dash into a yard behind a privacy fence in the 1200 block of North 30th Street, McCoy said.

"`Officers heard a shot, and the suspect ran for about 40 yards,` McCoy said. `He stopped, shot himself and now he's deceased.`

"Police quickly backtracked the suspect's route and found the other body, McCoy said.

"`It is a reasonable belief that [he] was an innocent bystander,` McCoy said. `But we're still investigating.`

"Authorities did not immediately identify either of the bodies."

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch...

"He Seemed Like A Good Guy"

"WAIANAE, HI - The deaths of two Waianae residents at an apartment overlooking Pokai Bay is being investigated as a possible murder-suicide.

"The bodies of Tanya Vagai, 39, and Tusigafa "Kepi" Matua, 33, were found yesterday in the living room of their apartment at Pokai Beach Cabanas.

"In a telephone interview, Vagai's mother, Bernadette Downey, said that in her mind there was domestic violence in the relationship between Vagai and her boyfriend.

"`There was a change in his behavior,` she said.

"Honolulu police Lt. Bill Kato said the victim's mother received a call yesterday morning from her daughter's workplace after her daughter did not show up for work.

"Vagai's mother went to the apartment yesterday, where she discovered her daughter and a man with gunshot wounds in the living room, Kato said.

"Kato said a handgun was recovered.

"He said the woman was seen shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday when she went back to her ground-floor apartment.

"Evelyn Capital, a neighbor, said the couple had not lived in the apartment complex for long.

"`I just met the guy a couple of weeks ago,` she said.

"`He seemed like a good guy.`"

From the Star Bulletin...