Multiple Attempted Murder/Suicide In Texas

"RIO GRANDE CITY, TX — Authorities were responding about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to a possible slaying near the intersection of U.S. 83 and Old El Sauz Road.

"Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes said a male shot three females before turning the gun on himself. However, he could not confirm as of about 6:10 p.m. whether there were any fatalities."

From The Monitor...

UPDATE:

09/01/2010 - Killer stalked women by car...

One Dead After Attempted Murder/Suicide At Creamery

"SYLACAUGA, AL — The Police Department is investigating an apparent murder and attempted suicide early Tuesday morning outside Blue Bell Creameries.

"According to a department release, responders found Shalanda Elaine Pope, 38, of Sylacauga dead at the scene after dispatchers received a call of shots fired around 4:20 a.m. Police officers discovered Pope inside a vehicle in the rear parking lot of Blue Bell near West Fourth Street and North Anniston Avenue.

"Michael Cornelius Milliner, 35, of Sylacauga was also found shot inside the same vehicle. Emergency services airlifted Milliner to a Birmingham hospital.

"The 10:30 a.m. release stated Milliner was undergoing surgery. It also stated the shooting appeared to be domestic related.

"Pope and Milliner were previously married, according to initial information.

"The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Talladega County Coroners Office and Talladega County District Attorney are assisting Sylacauga police in the investigation."

From The Daily Home...

Strangler Survives Botched Murder/Suicide

"RIDGEFIELD, NJ — Authorities in northern New Jersey say they believe a man who rammed his vehicle into a police cruiser strangled a woman whose body was found in his car.

"Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said a citizen called 911 shortly after 1 p.m. Monday to report a man bleeding and seemingly disoriented in the parking lot at Ridgefield Park High School.

"When an officer arrived, the man fled in his car. The chase ended when he intentionally crashed into a Ridgefield police car.

"Thirty-year-old David Goodell of Clifton was arrested and taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment of wounds to his wrists, apparently self-inflicted.

"The body of 21-year-old Vivian Tulli of Garfield was found in the passenger seat.

"Charges are pending."

From the Daily Record...

Couple Had No Previous Domestic Violence Reports

"PIONEER, CA - The Amador County Sheriff's Department is investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the community of Pioneer Sunday afternoon.

"Undersheriff Jim Wegner said deputies responded to a 911 call placed from Holiday Lane at 12:17 p.m. that the caller heard a woman screaming and then gunshots from a neighbor's home.

"When deputies arrived, they found a car blocking Holiday Lane. Inside the car was Holly Heather Hayden, 52. She suffered multiple gunshots in the torso and was dead at the scene, Wegner said. It looked as if Hayden had been trying to drive away, detectives said.

"A witness told deputies right after the shooting, Hayden's husband, James Frederick Weber, was observed walking away from his wife's car and toward their home. The witness also reported seeing Weber on the home's rear deck and then hearing another gunshot.

"After observing the residence and property from the air and with electronic surveillance, Wegner said a SWAT entered the home and found Weber, 54, dead, with a gunshot wound.

"The sheriff's office had not received any domestic violence reports regarding the couple or from the residence, Wegner said."

From news10.net...

Two Survive Attempted Vehicular Murder/Suicide

"JESSUP, MD - A 67-year-old Silver Spring man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to kill a woman he lived with and himself by driving his SUV into a trash trailer in Jessup on Sunday, Anne Arundel County police said.

"Henry Hutchins and Carol Carter, 60, who live in the 11000 block of July Drive in Silver Spring, are recovering at Shock Trauma from serious injuries. She is in critical but stable condition; he is in serious but stable condition.

"Police say Hutchins, with Carter in the front passenger seat, drove a 1994 Jeep Cherokee southbound on Brockbridge Road at a high rate of speed, left the roadway and headed in a straight line into a storage area of large trash trailers. The SUV struck one of the trash trailers, causing life-threatening injuries to both occupants.

"Hutchins and Carter had been in a relationship for 15 years, police said. Evidence from the scene and statements made by Hutchins indicate he was trying to kill himself and Carter, said police, who obtained an arrest warrant charging him with first and second-degree murder and first and second-degree assault. He will be served with the warrant after he is released from medical care, they said."

From The Baltimore Sun...

Jumper May Have Planned Murder/Suicide

"SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A woman who leaped from the eighth story of her burning apartment in the Tenderloin may have tried to murder a man by setting fire to the unit and then killed herself, police said Monday.

"Police declined to give details of their investigation into Sunday's incident, other than to classify the fire as a possible case of domestic violence and to say the arson task force was looking into the fire.

"The dead woman's name is being withheld until relatives can be notified, the medical examiner's office said.

"The woman leaped from the building at 888 O'Farrell St. around 5:30 a.m. Sunday. The 35-year-old man who was in the apartment with her was treated for burns at San Francisco General Hospital and is expected to survive.

"No other apartments in the building were damaged."

From the San Francisco Chronicle...

Bratislava Bloodbath

"BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - A gunman in the Slovak capital of Bratislava, whose identity is still under investigation, killed six members of the same family then shot himself after being cornered by police.

"Police President Jaroslav Spisiak said it is still unclear what the motive of the gunman, aged 50, actually was.

"The shooting took place in the Devinska Nova Ves district of Bratislava, and was closed off by police causing roadblocks for hours after the incident.

"A shootout which followed after the six victims were murdered resulted in another 14 getting wounded, one of which was a policeman who got shot in the head.

"Spisiak said `He was alone. He fired at everything that moved during his escape bid, the policemen surrounded him...they made it impossible for him to escape.`

"He said the killer entered the victims' apartment armed with a submachine gun with eight magazines and two handguns. He shot four women and one man when he got inside. He killed the sixth relative in the doorway before getting cornered by police and shooting himself."

From maltatoday.com...

Woman's Condition Unknown

"WESTLAND, MI - Westland police are investigating what appears to be an attempted murder-suicide that left one man dead and his wife injured, Lt. Mike Matich said this morning.

"Police were called to the 29000 block of Manchester Street, near Middlebelt Road and Ann Arbor Trial, around 1:30 this morning and found two people, a husband and wife, shot in the basement of the townhome, he said.

"The wife was taken to the hospital and the husband died at the scene with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Police said they don't know what condition the woman is in this morning.

"Two adult sons that were at the house at the time have been interviewed by police, he said. One of them called 911 to report the shootings.

"Police are not releasing the names at this time."

Source: freep.com...

Man Shoots 5, Abducts Kids Before Killing Himself

"LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ - A 26-year-old man who abducted his children from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., after fatally shooting their mother and four others was found early Sunday in Rancho Cucamonga, the victim of an apparent suicide.

"On Saturday night, Brian Stephen Diez entered a residence in the 300 block of Opossum Drive in Lake Havasu City and shot six of its occupants, including his estranged girlfriend Deborah Langstaff, 23, according to Charlie Cassens of the Lake Havasu City Police. Diez then left the scene with his children Kaia, 4, and Cole, 13 months.

"Deborah Nyland, 44, the only survivor in the six-person shooting, contacted emergency dispatchers after Diez left, Cassens said. She and Brock Kelson, 20, were transported to nearby hospitals, where Kelson later died. Pronounced dead at the scene were Langstaff, Ashley Nyland, 20, Russell Nyland, 42, and Primo Verdone, 24. It was not known how the victims were related.

"After issuing an Amber Alert for a child abduction early Sunday, authorities located Diez's vehicle at a residence in the 11900 block of Rue Way in Rancho Cucamonga, Cassens said. Diez was pronounced dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"The two children were found safe with family members at the residence.

"San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the home about the same time after a report of a suicide, said a sheriff's spokeswoman."

From the Los Angeles Times...

UPDATE:

09/04/2010 - Lone survivor recuperating...

Man Torches Home Before Killing Wife

"SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY - Police looking for a Long Island man whose home had been gutted by a fire this morning found him unconscious in his truck next to a dead woman wrapped in a blanket.

"He apparently had tried to kill himself with a drug overdose, police said.

"The man, whose name authorities would not release, was found parked at Sore Thumb Beach in Babylon, police said. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital and is in serious condition, police said.

"Authorities this afternoon would not detail how the woman was killed nor would they release her name.

"The man’s Lindenhurst home was destroyed by fire around 4 a.m., and authorities found a gas can at the scene and signs of violence in the bedroom, Suffolk County police said.

"A divorced couple lived there, police said.

"Neighbors identified the couple as Muhammet and Gail Karadag. Until recently, they had been regulars at block parties, neighbors said.

"`She was a nice lady. She would always give us our ball back when it went over the fence,` said Alex Nadolnik, 12.

"Alex’s family tried to help put out the early-morning blaze.

"`We heard a huge explosion and my dad ran into their backyard,` he said. `The whole house was on fire.`"

From the New York Post...

Estranged Couple Found Dead

"ONSLOW COUNTY, NC - The Onslow County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide-suicide on White Oak River Road late Saturday night.

"Authorities say a man killed his estranged wife and himself.

"Investigators have not released names of the couple pending next-of-kin notification, Maj. Donnie Worrell said.

"Further details are not yet being released."

From jdnews.com...

UPDATE:

09/01/2010 - Facebook relationship status may have sparked murder/suicide

Two Dead, One Injured, No Suspects Sought

"GREAT FALLS, MT - Investigators are on the scene of what appears to be a murder, suicide on the southside of Great Falls.

"A call came in to police at around 7 p-m. with a report of gunshots in progress. Officers responded to the alley of 416 12th Avenue South just behind the Holiday Inn. Great Falls Police Sergeant Bryan Slavik [said] a man was found dead at the scene while another person had suffered superficial injuries.

"That investigation led police to a home just a couple houses down at 426 12th Avenue South where ... a woman was found dead in the yard.

"Sergeant Slavik says both of the deceased were residents of the home at 426 12th Avenue South. Details of the crime and of those involved have not been released at this time, although police tell us they are not looking for a suspect."

From KAJ18.com...

"It Was Not A Random Act"

"DELTA TWP, MI - A woman shot by a man who then turned a gun on himself about 5 p.m. today was in surgery at a local hospital this evening, according to police.

"Eaton County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Morris said the woman was shot twice before the man shot himself. He said the man died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"The woman’s condition was not available from police. Police on the scene said the man and woman -- both adults -- are believed to have known each other.

"`There was a relationship,` Morris said. `It was not a random act.`

"Police said the incident occurred about 5 p.m. in a neighborhood near Elmwood Drive.

"As police continued their investigation into the incident this evening, a body lie covered with a blood soaked sheet in the driveway of a residence in the 5100 block of Ivan Drive. The body has since been removed.

"Police said the incident occurred outside the residence.

"Mario Quintero, 33, of Lansing, said he was helping his sister-in-law move into the residence where the shooting occurred this afternoon, and left the area to get more of her belongings. When he came back shortly after 5:15 p.m. he said a friend of his sister-in-law had been shot and was being loaded into an ambulance, and a man was lying in the driveway.

"A bed frame and furniture remained in the yard this evening.

"A portion of Ivan Drive between Elmood and Mall Drive was closed to traffic for several hours this evening."

From LSJ.com...

UPDATE:

Shooter used AK-47. Woman dies after surgery.

Bodies Found At Ohio Home

"BAY VILLAGE, OH - An apparent murder-suicide occurred at a home on Russell Road in Bay Village Saturday, officials said.

"Police were called by a resident and asked to perform a welfare check at a home in the 27000 block of Russell Road around 3 p.m..

"Officers went to the house and found Michael Rothgery, 42, and his wife, Mary, 40, dead.

"Michael Rothgery was found in the backyard of the house with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"While checking the interior of the residence, officers found Mary Rothgery dead in a TV room. There were no obvious signs of trauma on her body.

"A search then ensued for the couple's young children, who could not be readily located.

"The children were eventually found unharmed. They were with relatives in Lorain County.

"Autopsies for the couple are scheduled for Sunday."

From newsnet5.com...

One Dead In Attempted Double Murder/Suicide

"MT PLEASANT, NC - The Cabarrus County Sheriff office is investigating what they say looks like an attempted murder-suicide.

"Just after midnight Saturday morning the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from a person who says someone flagged them down and got them to call 911 about a shooting inside a house on Main Street.

"Once on the scene, sheriff's deputies found Harry Dwayne Motley dead from a gunshot wound. They also found Kelley Litaker Motley shot in the arm and Donny Ray Threadgill shot multiple times.

"Police believe Harry Motley went to the home he ... shared with Kelley Motley to confront her and Threadgill. Police said a fight broke out resulting in the shootings.

"The sheriff says that this tragic incident was an isolated event."

From WBTV.com...

One Dead After Attempted Murder/Suicide

"LAS CRUCES, NM - A 45-year-old woman is in the hospital and her live-in boyfriend, 26, is dead after being found hanged in what is being investigated as a suicide, according to Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office officials.

"Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, DASO deputies responded to the 19000 block of South Highway 28, to reports of a possible domestic incident.

"The victim reported that her live-in boyfriend had stabbed her once in the face, according to investigators. When deputies arrived, they found the boyfriend dead, apparently by hanging, in the back of the home.

"The woman is being treated for her injuries in a Las Cruces hospital. The incident is being investigated as a domestic violence / suicide case."

Source: Las Cruces Sun-News...

Property Dispute Leaves Three Dead

"APPLEBY, TX - Two Nacogdoches County women and a man were fatally shot near their adjacent Appleby residences Friday in what officials are calling a double homicide-suicide.

"The two women, Connie Moses, 58, a retired teacher, and Helen Meeler, 59, a retired surgery nurse at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital, were discovered fatally shot in the front yard of their Appleby home in the 1700 block of CR 262, after an apparent dispute over a property line with their neighbor turned deadly, according to officials.

"The neighbor, 73-year-old Preston Skelton, was found some time later in the woods near his home, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Nacogdoches County Sheriff Thomas Kerss said.

"The two women and a hired male worker were in the process of constructing a fence along the disputed property line when the shooting began, Kerss said.

"`The man was driving T-posts to construct the fence, which went across a driveway leading into Mr. Skelton’s residence, when the man (the worker) said he was instructed (by Skelton) to drop the T-posts he had and the ladies were instructed to drop the T-posts they were holding,` Kerss said. Skelton `raised the rifle and began shooting, at which point (the worker) fled into a wooded area on foot.`

"Skelton, likewise, fled into the woods and, following an hours-long search, was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.

"Kerss said authorities located a .22 caliber rifle Skelton used to shoot himself and the women in the woods.

"`This act was a sad, unnecessary ending to three lives,` he said. `It is hard for any of us to understand how something this tragic could result from a dispute of this nature, and our hearts go out to the families of everyone involved.`"

From The Lufkin Daily News...

Autopsy Reveals Murder/Suicide

"WARNER ROBINS, GA - A Warner Robins family is in mourning, and a neighborhood in shock after police discover a mother and son shot to death in their home. Police first thought it was a home invasion, but an autopsy shows it was a murder-suicide.

"Neighbors along Mary Lane saw dozens of police cars thursday night, but it was what they heard that brought the most shock. `I thought it was really sad, because they broke down in the street and we could here them screaming they're dead they're dead,` said neighbor Gregg Levendoski.

"Those screams were from relatives of 79 year old Julia Rogers, and her 55 year old son Jack Rogers, who Warner Robins Police found dead inside their home.

"As police secured the scene they discovered it was the mother Julia, who shot and killed her son and then turned the gun on herself. Now police and neighbors are trying to understand what went wrong.

"`We've interviewed several family members. Right now there's not a clear motive on why the incident did happen. The case is still on going until we figure out why,` said Warner Robins Police Department Spokesperson Tabitha Pugh. `I didn't expect a murder. I can tell you that I didn't expect a murder,` said neighbor Derunta Womble.

"Gregg Levendoski has lived on this block for four years, and never thought something like his would happen two doors down from his house. `Every morning I'd see them out there listening to the birds and playing with all the cats in the neighborhood. They we're just really friendly people they were wonderful.`

"Julia rogers who cared for her disabled son Jack was a considered a good neighbor. `She was a pretty nice lady she offered us a job to clean up her backyard and stuff and she was pretty sweet lady to me,` said Womble.

"A lady who's actions have left neighbors in disbelief. Warner Robins Police are not looking for any other suspects in this murder suicide case, and will continue interviews until the case is closed. "

From 41nbc.com...

Woman In Stable Condition After Attempted Murder/Suicide

"JACKSON, MS - A 51-year-old man killed himself earlier this morning after shooting his one-time girlfriend at a bus stop in front of her small child.

"Jackson police say 26-year-old Gabrielle Black is listed in stable condition at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

"Black was shot on Congo Street at about 7 a.m.

"After shooting Black, the man left in his Chevrolet Silverado pickup. It crashed shortly afterward on Decatur Street, striking a pole, Jackson police spokeswoman Colendula Green said.

"The man had shot himself, leading to the crash, Green said.

"Green said police are not identifying the man since he committed suicide.

"`It was an old relationship,` Green said of what led to the shooting.

"Green said the woman may have been two months pregnant."

Source: clarionledger.com...

"It's Senseless"

"INDIANAPOLIS, IN - A man and a woman who were found dead in a home on Indianapolis' north side apparently died in a murder-suicide, police said Friday.

"The bodies of Maurice Smith, 31, and Nickina Cornett, 26, were found in the 3000 block of North Harding Street late Thursday evening.

"Indianapolis police said they received a call at about 10:40 p.m. from a man who said he want to check on a friend at the home and found the bodies.

"Lt. Jeff Duhamell said Friday afternoon that Cornett had been shot multiple times, but that Smith had no visible signs of trauma to his body.

"Police, who found bullet casings throughout the house, initially thought Cornett and Smith were killed by someone else.

"Duhamell said investigators are waiting on toxicology reports to come back on Smith.
The deaths likely happened on Wednesday, police said.

"Friends of the victims were shaken by the deaths.

"`Every day you wake up and watch the news and someone else is gone,` said Karen Mitchell. `It's senseless, gun violence, guns.`"

From theindychannel.com...

Indianapolis Jumper Had Strangled Wife

"INDIANAPOLIS, IN - A man who committed suicide atop a downtown parking garage Thursday had earlier strangled his estranged wife in their Hendricks County home, police said.

"The body of Mary Jane Frisby, 44, was found in a bedroom in the home of Dave Frisby, 58, at 6729 Eastland Road just after 6 p.m., said Hendricks County Sheriff's Department Lt. Jim Yetter.

"Yetter said a suicide note and recording found in Dave Frisby's car led them to the home. He said the couple was in the process of getting a divorce.

"`The couple had filed for divorce earlier this month. However, they were still living here together in the residence with two children,` Yetter said.

"Police said Dave Frisby fired six shots from the top floor of a parking garage near Meridian and Washington streets at about 3 p.m., before shooting himself and falling seven stories to the sidewalk below.

"Witnesses told police they saw the man fire two to three shots toward a nearby building that houses the Barnes and Thornburg law firm, where Mary Jane Frisby was a partner.

"`He turned, and it's like he looked directly at us and fired two shots,` said Anthony Prather, a lawyer who was in the office at the time. `He had this really weird look on his face. He did not look distraught to me. I really can't describe it. My secretary said he smiled at her.`

"On Dave Frisby's Facebook page, he posted a message condemning the law firm, apparently shortly before killing himself.

"`The bad lawyers at the Barnes and Thornburg law firm ... do not respect the institution of marriage and corrupted my wife Mary Jane (sex and drugs). Someone (maybe one of their good lawyers) please make them pay. Justice demands the truth out. It's a tragedy,` the statement read.

"Dave Fribsy, who was armed with two handguns, was pronounced dead at the scene. Businesses in the area were locked down and streets were closed immediately after the shooting."

From theindychannel.com...

Break-Up Leads To Double Murder/Suicide

"HIALEAH, FL - A woman and her teen daughter were shot and killed early Thursday morning in Hialeah by the daughter's ex-boyfriend, who then killed himself, police said.

"Lisset Perez, 15, and Vivian Albeto, 39, were gunned down by 21-year-old gunman Adalberto Torrez in a parking lot outside an apartment complex at 495 W. 12th St. around 6 a.m., police said.

"The gunman fled the scene, and was found about an hour later at Southwest 27th St. and 29th Ct., dead in an apparent suicide.

"Torrez and Perez had recently broke up and police believe that is what may have sparked the murder-suicide.

"Witnesses said that Torrez walked up to the apartment without words and just opened fire."

From nbcmiami.com...

Son Shoots Father, Stabs Mother Before Shooting Himself

"ROCHESTER, NY - A three-hour standoff on Wellington Avenue ended with two people dead, according to city police.

"Rochester police said tonight that an 18-year-old man fatally shot his father and then himself inside 44 Wellington Ave.

"The 18-year-old also stabbed his mother several times, police said.

"According to Police Chief David Moore, the incident began with a domestic dispute between the 18-year-old and the father.

"The father was shot at least once in the torso, police said.

"The suspect’s mother, who was stabbed multiple times, was able to get out of the house along with an 11-year-old girl and two 4-year-old boy and girl twins, Moore said. The children were unharmed.

"She underwent surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital, Moore said, and she is in stable condition."

From the Democrat and Chronicle...

Sunday Night Slaughter

"OMAHA, NE - Detectives said a man shot a woman to death and then killed himself in their northwest Omaha home on Sunday night.

"Corina Barry, 29, and Carlos Johnson, 35, were discovered midday Monday in a home near Lake Cunningham at 8945 N. 78th Ave., Circle.

"Investigators learned that Johnson had a domestic violence assault conviction on his record from 2003 in an incident involving Barry.

"Johnson was restricted from owning a firearm. The weapon used in the murder-suicide was registered to Barry, investigators said."

From KETV.com...

One Dead, One Serious In Idaho Murder/Suicide

"BOISE, ID - The suspect in a double-shooting in Boise died late Sunday in the hospital.

"The incident happened the night before on South Ladera Place where Boise police say 54-year-old John C. Smith shot a 34-year-old woman, then himself.

"Investigators say the two were not married, but had a former domestic relationship.

"The woman was hospitalized with serious injuries."

From fox12idaho.com...

Ohio Couple Found Dead

"EAST CANTON, OH - Deputies in the Stark County Sheriff's Office are investigating an apparent murder suicide that took place Monday night.

"According to police, Daniel Lewton, 51, shot and killed his wife Mary Jane Silva-Lewton, 40, at their home on Neimans Avenue SE, East Canton. After allegedly shooting his wife, police said Lewton turned the gun on himself.

"Police responded to the scene around 9:15 p.m., after receiving a call from Lewton that he had shot his wife.

"Once police arrived, they found Silva-Lewton responsive in the kitchen, with a gunshot wound to her abdomen. She was transported to Mercy Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.

"Daniel Lewton was found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head, police said."

From newsnet5.com...

In Every Dream Home A Heartache

"LAKE ORION, MI - Rosemary Rangi told people the brick colonial nestled in the woods of Orion Township was her dream home.

"But the head of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce found herself lying burned, stabbed and bleeding in the grass outside Sunday as flames rose from the house.

"Investigators found her husband, Daljit Rangi, 65, dead in the garage from smoke inhalation and burns. His death was ruled a suicide Monday by the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office.

"It is the second case in less than a week involving murder-suicide among spouses in Oakland County."

From freep.com...

The Day The Music Died

"TORRANCE, CA - A long-running noise dispute between neighbors in a Torrance apartment complex ended over the weekend with a murder-suicide, neighbors and police said Monday.

"The shooter, Renzo Ramon Estrella, 46, lived directly upstairs from the victim, 39-year-old Michael Ronald Meeker.

"For about seven months, the men battled over peace and quiet, each complaining about the other, police and neighbors said.

"`It was a noise issue between these two,` said Cesar Rodriguez, general manager of the Carioca Garden Apartments in the 4000 block of 242nd Street. `We talked to both of them and told them to respect each other.`

"According to neighbors, Estrella - who seemed to work at home - complained about his downstairs neighbor's loud music. Meeker became upset because his upstairs neighbor stomped around above him.

"Not long ago, Meeker fell from a chair and tore ankle ligaments as he pounded on his ceiling in anger, neighbors said.

"The dispute turned deadly on Sunday afternoon when Estrella shot Meeker to death, raging about the music coming from Meeker's apartment, neighbors said.

"The neighbors said they heard Estrella cussing about the music before the shots rang out.

"Dianne Karjian said she heard a burst of five or six shots, a pause, and then four more shots.

"Police arrived to find the downstairs resident dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

"A special weapons team surrounded the complex and waited for a search warrant to enter Estrella's apartment.

"When they entered about 1 a.m. Monday, they found Estrella had killed himself."

Source: dailybreeze.com...

No Known Motive In Kansas City Murder/Suicide

"KANSAS CITY, MO - Kansas City police today identified a man and woman who died in an apparent murder-suicide Friday as Florensio Rojo, 64, and Albertina Acosta, 62.

"The shootings were discovered about 9 a.m. Friday inside the home they shared in the 2700 block of Cypress Avenue. A relative found Rojo wounded in the living room and Acosta dead in a back bedroom. Rojo later died at a hospital.

"Police believe Rojo shot Acosta in the back and then himself in the chest. Investigators said they don’t know a motive. The couple had adult children from previous relationships."

From KansasCity.com...

SWAT Team Finds Bodies

"ANTIOCH, CA — The Contra Costa Coroner's Office has released the names of the husband and wife who died in an apparent murder-suicide early Thursday morning.

"Police believe that Robert Ellingson, 45, shot and killed his wife, 45-year-old Linda Ellingson, then shot himself. The couple was found in the master bedroom of their home in the 1700 block of Mt. Hamilton Drive.

"Their two children, a 13-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, were not at home at the time of the shootings. Linda Ellingson's death marked the city's sixth homicide of the year.

"Police got a call about 4:20 a.m. Thursday from someone saying that Robert Ellingson had called him and said he had shot his wife and was going to kill himself. Shortly after, police got a call from Robert Ellingson himself saying the same thing.

"Investigators now believe that Ellingson shot himself shortly after the phone call. But when they went to the home in response to a resident's report of hearing gunfire, it was uncertain whether there was still a threat.

"Over the next several hours, police cordoned off the neighborhood and a SWAT team was summoned. Two nearby elementary schools were briefly locked down. Friends and relatives of the Ellingsons gathered at the scene and were interviewed by police for information about them.

"At 11 a.m., police entered the home and found the deceased couple. Investigators said that they had been experiencing marital and financial difficulties."

Source: Contra Costa Times...

Single Mother Of Three Dead In Murder/Suicide

"CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA ― A mother of three was gunned down Sunday morning in an apparent murder-suicide, according to authorities.

"The Citrus Heights Police Department said they received a report of a dead man and woman inside a bedroom on the 7200 block of Pleasant View Drive just after 9:00 a.m.

"Grieving friends identified one of the victims as 28-year-old Melinda Mekita, who was apparently shot and killed by another man who then took his own life.

"Police said a handgun was recovered at the scene and it appears as though both people died from gunshot wounds. There is no evidence of any outstanding suspects, authorities said.

"`The female was on the bed, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound,` said Citrus Heights Police Lt. Gary Hendricks. `The male was on the floor, deceased.`

"There were three children -- ages 10, 5 and 4 -- at the scene at the time of the shooting, Lt. Hendricks said.

"Police have not released any information on the relationship between the man and woman, but friend Heather Carr said she is sure the two were not romantically involved.

"`He was just someone she knew. I don't know who he is, what his name is, I just know he was not her boyfriend,` Carr said. `She has a fiancée, she was going to get married.`"

From CBS13.com...

Georgia Pair Found Dead At Home

"SYLVESTER, GA - A husband and wife are dead after a murder-suicide in Worth County.

"GBI agents say it appears 68-year-old William Miller shot his wife 66-year-old Sarah Miller and then took his own life.

"Their bodies were discovered Saturday afternoon by their adult daughter at their home on the 700 block of Youngblood road in Sylvester.

"Their bodies have been sent to Macon for autopsies."

From FOX 31...

UPDATE:

Article details connection with July murder/sucide...
M/S blog article on related July murder/suicide...

Killer Breaks Window To Shoot Ex-Wife's Boyfriend

"WEST COLUMBIA, SC - A Columbia woman woke up to a nightmare Sunday morning as her boyfriend was shot dead by her ex-husband, according to West Columbia police.

"Investigators were at a home on Seminole Drive Sunday morning where 39-year-old Clyde Jacob Yarborough was killed.

"Officials believe 28-year-old Gerald Heyward Copeland broke a window to get into Yarborough's home around 7:56a.m. and shot him dead.

"Copeland fled the scene, but law enforcement found him a few minutes later in a car, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Authorities say the couple had been separated for several months and they are investigating whether Copeland and Yarborough had previous confrontations.

"The Richland County Sheriff's Department, West Columbia Police Department, and the Lexington County Coroner's Office are still investigating the incidents."

From WISTV.com...

Argument Leads To Deaths Of Brothers

"CLEVELAND, OH - Two brothers died early Sunday morning in an apparent murder-suicide on the 3400 block of East 113th Street, according to the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office.

"Police received a call around 3:30 a.m. Sunday for a man shot at 3426 E. 113th St.

"Deangelo Wiggins, 19, was pronounced dead at 4:01 a.m. at MetroHealth from gunshot wounds to his chest and leg.

"His brother, Deante Wiggins, Sr., 28, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office.

"Police have learned that the two brothers got into an argument that escalated until Deante shot Deangelo and left the scene. He then called a friend to pick him up. During a conversation with the friend about a block away, Deante killed himself.

"This situation is currently under investigation by the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit."

From WKYC.com...

3 Shot, 2 Dead At Mini-Warehouse

"LAS VEGAS, NV - Las Vegas Metro police are at the scene of what they are speculating is a murder-suicide in the southwest valley.

"Police said a man who sounded inebriated called dispatch and told police he had just shot a woman in the head by an office building near Tiberti Mini-Warehouses, 4780 S. Valley View Blvd., near Tropicana Avenue.

"When officers arrived, they encountered a man standing behind a counter at an office holding a gun. When they told the man to put down the gun, he did, but then ran to a back room, at which point, police heard gun fire, police said.

"Police said they found three people shot in the room, two of whom -- the man and a woman -- were dead. A third woman was shot in the head, police said. The woman was taken to a hospital and is in grave condition, police said."

From FOX5Vegas.com...

Three Found Dead In Hawaii

"HONOLULU, HI - Authorities in Honolulu say three people have been found dead in a Makiki Heights cottage on Makiki Street near Round Top Drive.

"Police suspect it's a case of double murder-suicide.

"The bodies of a man in his 40s, a woman in her 30s and a teenage girl were found in the cottage by police early Friday morning.

"Neighbors say they heard glass breaking and gunshots and called police."

From KHON2.com...

UPDATE:

• Neighbor supplies sordid details...
• Shooter had mental problems, served jail time...

One Dead In Botched Murder/Suicide

"LAS VEGAS, NV - Las Vegas police have responded to a possible attempted murder-suicide.

"Police say the incident happened near Rainbow and Gowan. Officers were called to the scene to investigate an attempted suicide. When officers arrived, they found a man and a woman injured. Both were transported to University Medical Center.

"Homicide investigators have been called to the scene."

From 8newsnow.com...

UPDATE:

One dead, one in critical condition...
8/23 - Both victims dead, police unsure of who shot who...

Two Deceased Adults Found At Residence

"CHARLESTOWN, NH – State and local police have been at the scene of an apparent murder-suicide since early Thursday morning.

"According to Attorney General Michael A. Delaney, a 911 call was received about 4:47 a.m. When police arrived at the single-family home, they found two deceased adults in the residence.

"`Although the investigation is still in the early stages, the evidence gathered to date indicates that the deaths are likely the result of a murder-suicide, domestic violence incident,` Delaney said in a statement.

"The identity of the individuals has been withheld by authorities pending notification of next of kin. Autopsies will be performed on both Friday to determine cause of death.

"Charlestown, population about 4,800, is located northwest of Keene on the eastern shore of the Connecticut River."

From UnionLeader.com...

UPDATE:

05/13/2011 — How the "other half" dies...

Michigan Woman Dead In Botched Murder/Suicide

"WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI - Ellery Bennett arrived at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Wednesday with knife wounds to his chest and neck, telling officials they would find another victim at his home in West Bloomfield.

"After following up on his tip -- and finding his wife's dead body at the home along with an apparent murder-suicide note -- police now believe Bennett's wounds were self-inflicted.

"Sources [said] authorities found 46-year-old Lisa Bennett in the couple's master bedroom, a blanket covering up her own fatal stab wounds. Three relatives were in the home when police arrived, including the couple's 10-year-old daughter, but did not appear to be aware of the situation.

"`Right now, what it looks like is that he did not intend to make it through the evening, and it looks like this was going to be a murder-suicide attempt,` West Bloomfield Police Sgt. Bob Spencer told the television station.

"While the couple does not have a history of domestic violence, Lisa Bennett filed for divorce one week ago, as first reported by WXYZ. Her attorney tells The Detroit Free Press the couple's marriage was strained by mounting debts resulting from the husband's failed business ventures.

"Ellery Bennett remains under guard at the hospital as police continue to interview him and investigate the suspected homicide."

From mlive.com...

Multiple Murder/Suicide Averted In Texas

"MCKINNEY, TX - The fatal bullet that took the life of Patrick Gray Sharp came from his own gun.

"The Collin County Medical Examiner's Office ruled that suicide caused the death of the 29-year-old Anna man who tried to lure McKinney police and fire officers and personnel out of the McKinney Public Safety Building on Tuesday with a vehicle fire and shoot them as they poured into the parking lot.

"Dr. Sheila Spotswood, Collin County's assistant medical examiner, said `the investigative information that I received and the appearance of the wound` indicate that Sharp took his own life. McKinney police officials were not sure if Sharp committed suicide or died as the result of a shootout with McKinney police officers.

"Spotswood said her office still has to complete some `routine drug testing` to complete their autopsy.

"Meanwhile, McKinney police investigators have moved their examination into the public safety building. McKinney police Lt. Mark Moyle said investigators have cleared the scene in front of the building where Sharp set the vehicle on fire and shot more than 100 rounds into the building. The front lobby of the building remains closed to the public.

"Sharp drove his Ford F150 pickup truck to the public safety building around 9 a.m. Tuesday and parked it in the public parking area on the southern side of the complex. He set the vehicle on fire causing the ammunition inside of it to discharge, McKinney Police Deputy Chief Scott Brewer said at an earlier press conference on Tuesday.

"Sharp then began firing shots at the public safety building and yelling unintelligible words as officers and firefighters responded to the gunfire, Brewer said.

"Police officers set up a perimeter around the building and located the suspect approximately 150 to 200 yards south of the building. They exchanged gunfire before they found Sharp's body."

Source: courier-gazette.com...

Neighbors Shocked By Double Murder/Suicide

"SUPERIOR, WI - Police say someone who came to visit a home at 2011 North 22nd Street around noon Wednesday opened the door and discovered a graphic scene.

"Three people inside were dead of gunshot wounds. Captain Chad La Lor said he suspected the male victim shot the other two victims then turned the gun on himself.

"La Lor said neighbors had no reason to fear more violence. `We are not seeking a suspect,` he said.

"La Lor said officers were dispatched to the house at 12:36 in the afternoon. Investigators found a gun in the crime scene. All three bodies were in the same area of the house..and all had been shot. There was no chance for medics to perform CPR. The medical examiner came to the scene and pronounced them dead.

"Neighbors gathered around shocked at the news.

"`It scares me,` said George Pierce. `You always want answers in a situation like this because I got a wife, pregnant wife and kids a block and a half away.`"

From FOX 21 News...

UPDATE:

Three charged with burglarizing murder/suicide home...

Dad & Daughter Found Dead

"CARLSBAD, NM - On Tuesday afternoon, Eddy County sheriffs responded to a welfare call on Mora Street in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

"After trying to contact the residents, police entered the home. They found Derek Ross, 35, and his 13-year-old daughter inside, victims of a possible murder/suicide.

"The police are still investigating the crime. Both people will get an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.

"According to Eddy County Sheriff's Department records, this family had a history of domestic violence."

From KRQE.com...

Texas Pair Survives Botched Murder/Suicide

"STAFFORD, TX - A man shot his wife before he decided to shoot himself in what Stafford police are calling a `domestic attempted murder-suicide.`

"Officers arrived at approximately 8 a.m. Tuesday to a home on Childers Court near Leisure Lane.

"The woman was taken by Life Flight medical helicopter to Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center in critical condition. The shooting suspect was taken to a hospital in unknown condition."

Source: FOX Houston...

Never Go Back

"SEMINOLE, FL - Detectives are investigating the death of a Seminole couple in what appears to be a murder-suicide, according to the Pinellas Sheriff's Office.

"Sheriff's spokeswoman Marianne Pasha said the bodies of a husband and wife were found at a home at 10935 105th Avenue North.

"Deputies responded to the home just before 8:00 a.m. after getting a 911 call from a neighbor, who found the woman in her driveway.

"Pasha said the husband's body was found was inside a bedroom, with a gun.

"Deputies had been previously called to the home for a domestic disturbance August 4th, when they saw the woman pack her belongings and move out of the home, according to Pasha, who said it appears the woman had recently moved back in.

"The couple's names have not been released."

From abcactionnews.com...

More Than A Walk In The Park

"LONG BEACH, CA - A man was found dead in Long Beach's El Dorado Park Sunday of an apparent self-inflected gunshot wound, and a woman who apparently was the victim of a homicide was found dead several hours later at a house apparently connected to the man, police said today.

"The man was found under a tree near the corner of Willow Street and Studebaker Road at about 4 p.m. Sunday, Long Beach police Lt. Paul LeBaron said. He appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said.

"The police investigation led to a house in the 1900 block of Lees Avenue, which was believed to be a location for the man's next of kin, LeBaron said.

"Officers were unable to contact anyone there, and they forced entry about 10 p.m. Sunday and found the body of a woman `who appeared to be the victim of a homicide,` LeBaron said. The cause of her death was not immediately known.

"Authorities withheld the names of the dead. A relationship between the pair was not immediately known."

Source: Press-Telegram...

Lady Shooter In Vegas Hospital Murder/Suicide

"LAS VEGAS, NV - Police say a husband and wife are dead in a murder-suicide shooting at a Las Vegas hospital.

"Lt. Dan Coe says the woman shot the man and then turned the gun on herself a little before 5 a.m. in a room on the fourth floor of Valley Hospital.

"Police say the 55-year-old man was a patient at the hospital and had been there since August 10 with a deteriorating illness and an unknown mental condition. The woman had been staying the night in the man's room.

"Coe says no one else was hurt, and the hospital wasn't evacuated."

From 8NEWSNOW.com...

UPDATE:

Wife was upset with level of care her husband was receiving...

"Domestic Issues" Cited

"READING, PA - Reading Police are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide in the city.

"Captain Drexler with the Reading Police said crews were called to the 300 block of Pear Street at 3:44 Sunday afternoon for reports of a shooting.

"They arrived to find the bodies of a male and a female, both with apparent gunshot wounds.

"Police say the victims were Chukwuden Agha Okafor, 64, and Cheryl Yvonne Okafor, 37, both of Birdsboro.

"The bodies were found inside the home of one of Mr. Okafor [no, it doesn't make sense to me, either - tsc], and several relatives were inside the home at the time of the shooting. They were taken to City Hall to be questioned.

"Police said they recovered a small handgun near Mr. Okafor.

"Capt. Drexler said, based on interviews and evidence, it appears Mr. Okafor shot his wife, then turned the gun on himself. They also said there were some domestic issues between the couple."

From WFMZ.com...

UPDATE:

06/26/2011 — Daycare center run by victims reopens...

Another Murder/Suicide Unravels

"ORANGE COUNTY, FL - Police [said] that just after 3 p.m. Saturday they were called out to the Shooting gallery at 2911 West 39th St. for a report of a shooting.

"When deputies showed up, they found a man dead inside from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Police [said] at the same time they were working that call, they were getting calls from friends and family to conduct a well-being check on someone on the east side of Orange County.

"Police said they were able to determine a connection between the man who killed himself at the gun range and the person they were being asked to check on.

"When deputies went to the home at 1700 Woodbury Road, near Waterford Lakes Town Center, they found a person dead inside a home.

"Police were not releasing any names."

From clickonorlando.com...

Cops Unravel Murder/Suicide

"SAN DIEGO, CA - A man who reportedly stabbed a Spring Valley woman to death was found dead, an apparent suicide, in Presidio Park, San Diego police said today.

"Krisanto Jopanda, 33, was found near his car at about 9 p.m. Friday by San Diego police.

"Jopanda was the suspect in the murder of Avitha Chua Rafael, 28, who was found stabbed to death in the driveway of her Spring Valley home Friday.

"Deputies said Friday that when they pulled up to the scene, Rafael’s 10-year-old son was standing next to his mother’s body. Jopanda is reportedly the boy’s father.

"The slaying in the 10000 block of Celestial Waters Drive in Spring Valley was reported shortly before 7:30 a.m. Friday, deputies said."

Source: Southwest Riverside News Network...

Murder/Suicide "A Likely Scenario"

"SHOW LOW, AZ - Police have released the names of the victims of the apparent murder/suicide that occurred Thursday afternoon, August 12, 2010.

"The victims are 53-year-old David Deay and his wife, 58-year-old Judy of White Mountain Lake.

"Navajo County Det. Randy Weems said a 911 call came in at about 3:50 Thursday afternoon from a man who said police needed to get out to 8649 Roundup Drive in Bourden Ranch Estates as soon as possible and then hung up.

"Officers found the bodies on the floor of the home. Taking into consideration the position of the weapon used and a note, Weems said that led investigators in the direction of murder/suicide as a likely scenario.

"Members of the Navajo County Homicide Task Force, Show Low Crime Scene Unit and Snowflake Police are handling the scene as a murder which is standard procedure."

From wmicentral.com...

No Motive In Botched West Virginia Murder/Suicide

"MANILA, WV - One person killed and another was wounded in a possible murder-suicide attempt in Boone County.

"According to authorities, the shooting happened just after 2 p.m. at a home on Hubert Hill Road near Manila.

"Police said Nathan Porter shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself.

"Apparently, Porter died at the scene but his wife was wounded.

"She has been taken to the hospital, but ... the extent of her injuries [is unknown].

"Police are now looking for a motive in the shooting."

From The State Journal...

History Of Domestic Violence Results In Grisly Scene

"OAK LAWN, IL ― An Oak Lawn man who police said threatened to fatally shoot his wife less than a month ago followed through on that grim promise Thursday before turning the gun on himself.

"John Huladek, 52, and Bernadette Huladek, 49, of the 6800 block of West 96th Place in Oak Lawn, were both pronounced dead Thursday afternoon at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, a Cook County medical examiner's office spokesman said.

"A neighbor alerted police to the grisly scene at the Huladeks' home Thursday afternoon after hearing a loud popping noise, then coming outside to find the couple on the ground, near a garbage can, with gunshot wounds to their chests, Oak Lawn police Chief Bill Villanova said.

"The Huladeks' 9-year-old daughter was inside the family's home playing with a friend, but did not witness the shooting, Villanova said. She is now staying with relatives.

"Thursday's shooting capped a history of domestic violence for the Huladeks, who Villanova said had received police visits about their fighting before.

"It was just three weeks ago that Oak Lawn police had last visited the Huladeks' home, resulting in John Huladek's arrest for aggravated domestic assault, according to police.

"Police removed a semi-automatic pistol, two ammunition magazines and several boxes from ammunition from the home."

From CBS2 Chicago...

Boxcutter Used In Botched Murder/Suicide

"HOLLYWOOD, FL - Police said a murder-suicide attempt by a mother left her and her 3-year-old son hospitalized in critical condition.

"The two are expected to recover, but now the mother, Mirtha Arias, 48, faces attempted murder charges.

"Hollywood Police said the 14-year-old son of Arias found her and his little brother together inside their home, inside Apartment 3 at 6126 Cleveland Street, Thursday, at around 9 in the morning.

"Police said she cut her 3-year-old son's throat with a box cutter and then both sides of her neck after she became despondent following a recent court hearing involving the custody of the little boy. Both were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital by Hollywood Fire-Rescue in critical condition.

"The child had to be rushed straight into the operating room but not before telling police who did this to him. `The 3-year-old was able to tell us that his mother did this,` said Hollywood Police Lt. Scott Pardon.

"Police said there was no one else inside the home when the incident happened, and it was the woman's teenage son who discovered the scene. `We're interviewing several people at this time,` said Pardon. `There was another 14-year-old child of the 48-year-old lady inside the house, and he was the one who called 911 and reported it to authorities.`

"Neighbors noted that they saw the teen sitting in a police car talking to officers after they arrived on the scene. `He's always with his little brother,` said Sabrina Allen. `He's always taking care of him. They're good people. They're really good people. They don't have any problems. They do their laundry with us.`

"Neighbors said the family is relatively quiet, and they have never had any trouble with them. They said the woman is a single mother who cared for her children well."

From WSVN.com...

15 Year Old Girl Comes Home To Bodies In Trailer

"DULAC, LA — A 40-year-old Dulac man shot and killed his girlfriend Thursday before killing himself, authorities said.

"The bodies of Bryan Scott, 40, and Shannon Ann Vitrano, 39, were found at the trailer they shared at 4428 Grand Caillou Road, said Maj. Malcolm Wolfe, a Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman. The call came in about 2:40 p.m., he said.

"Vitrano's 15-year-old daughter came home from school Thursday to find her mother and Scott lying dead on the kitchen floor, authorities said.

"`She came home and entered the house and found them,` Wolfe said of the girl, whom he did not identify.

"Police believe Scott killed Vitrano before shooting himself. A 12-gauge shotgun recovered at the scene is believed to have been used in the murder-suicide.

"Deputies were told by Vitrano's relatives that she talked about leaving him today, Wolfe said.

"Scott was arrested in February after his car was pulled over by Lafourche drug agents, who said there was $1,300 worth of marijuana in the vehicle."

From houmatoday.com...

No Known Motive In Texas Murder/Suicide

"MANSFIELD, TX - A Johnson County couple was found shot to death early Thursday at their home after authorities responded to shooting call in the neighborhood.

"Authorities believe it was a murder/suicide.

"The victims were identified as Candy Marlene Parker, 50, who was taken by helicopter ambulance to a hospital where she was pronounced dead and her husband, Randall Lane Parker, 58, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Johnson County Sheriff's Department.

"Johnson County dispatchers received a 911 call about 2:40 a.m. Thursday about a shooting in the 2900 block of Jessica Lane near Mansfield.

"When they arrived, deputies found Candy Parker with a gunshot wound, authorities said. They then found Randall Parker dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

"Johnson County authorities did not release any information about a motive."

Source: Star Telegram...

Welfare Check Finds Two Dead

"THORNTON, WA - Whitman County Sheriff's deputies confirmed Wednesday they are investigating a murder-suicide in the town of Thornton.

"Officials say the call originally came in as a welfare check at 9:34 a.m. When deputies arrived to investigate, they say they found two people dead.

"Deputies have not released any further information about the victims or nature of the crime."

From KREM.com...

Gunman Shoots Pair Through Window Before Shooting Himself

"EAGAN, MN - A gunman shot through the front window of an Eagan residence on Tuesday night, killing a husband and wife in their living room as their children slept before turning the gun on himself.

"Eagan police are calling the double murder-suicide one of the most brutal acts of violence in the city's history.

"Police were called to 1366 Berry Lane, near the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Diffley Road, shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday. They found the bodies of Charles Hanson, 42, and Svetlana Hanson, 24. Svetlana Hanson's father was also in the living room at the time of the shooting but was not injured.

"The three children, who had been sleeping at the time, were also unharmed, according to Eagan police. They were identified by neighbors as Charles Hanson's 10-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, and a nine-month-old boy the couple had in common.

"The gunman was found dead in the backyard.

"Police have not released his identity pending confirmation from the Dakota County Medical Examiner's office. They are not looking for additional suspects.

"Eagan police spokeswoman Danielle Anselment said previous calls to the home included a domestic assault in May 2009 and an order for protection violation in June 2010. Investigators did not clarify who the protection order was taken out against and who was involved in the domestic.

"They said they have not established a motive for Tuesday's shootings."

From twincities.com...

Thirtysomething Couple Found Dead

"WICHITA, KS – Two people were found shot to death in a south Wichita apartment Wednesday morning and now police are investigating it as a possible murder/suicide.

"Police say a man and woman, both in their 20’s, were the victims of the crime. Officers were called to the Westport Apartments near 31st St. S. and Meridian just before noon where they discovered the crime scene.

"Officers say it doesn’t appear there was a struggle inside the apartment.

"`It looked like a normal apartment to me,` said Sgt. Steven Heiser with the Wichita Police Department. `It had things put away. It wasn't a mess or anything.`

"Homicide investigators are continuing to interview those who live in the complex to try to figure out if they saw or heard anything.

"Police have not yet released the names of the man and woman."

From KSN.com...

"Oh No, Not Him!"

"CHICAGO RIDGE, IL - A Chicago woman was shot dead by her former fiance, who then turned the gun on himself Tuesday night in a parking lot outside Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall.

"Police responded to a call of shots fired at 6:05 p.m. in the north parking lot of shopping center and found a man dead on top of a woman who was also fatally shot, Police Chief Rob Pyznarski said. Responding officers found a revolver at the scene.

"The woman was in a carpooling van when she pulled closer to her car in the lot and saw the man, Pyznarski said. Although the people in the van did not know the man, she apparently recognized him and said something in terms of `Oh no, not him,` he said. She was just getting off work.

"The woman got out of the van and the man walked toward her and shot her at least twice in the abdomen, Pyznarski said. She then fell to the ground and the man fired more shots at her.

"The man, identified by police as Larry Harris, 59, of 2229 W. 80th St., Chicago, then shot himself in the head, Pyznarski said.

"The woman was identified as Tabatha Oliver, 41, of the 2000 block of West 75th Place, Chicago, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

"Harris and Oliver -- both dead at the scene -- were in a romantic relationship for eight years and broke off their wedding engagement in Febuary, Pyznarski said.

"`He never really took it well,` according to Pyznarski, who said there were no restraining orders put in place and no prior arrests involved.

"The incident happened close to 95th Street and no one in the shopping center was affected, Pyznarski said. The shopping center was not evacuated."

From southtownstar.com...

Bodies Found In Driveway

"MURRAY, KY - The Calloway County Sheriff's Department is currently investigating what they have described as a possible domestic-related murder-suicide in the county last night.

"At approximately 6:30 p.m. Monday night, the sheriff's department received a call of shots fired at 322 Scott Fitts Road, and possibly one person shot, according to captain Richard Steen of the sheriff's department. When deputies arrived on the scene, the bodies of two individuals, a man and a woman, were found in the driveway.

"Steen said the bodies have been sent to Madisonville this morning for an autopsy. The sheriff's department is currently not releasing the names of the victims or any other information pending the autopsy.

"Calloway-County Fire Rescue, the coroner's office and the Kentucky State Police assisted at the scene, it was reported."

From the Ledger & Times...

Shotgun Found At Scene Of Murder/Suicide

"CLOVIS, CA - A man and a woman were found dead inside an apartment in Clovis Tuesday morning.

"Police got a call of a domestic disturbance around 12:45 a.m. at an apartment located in the 700 block of Music Avenue, near 5th Street and Sunnyside Avenue.

"The call was made by a relative who was living with the couple; possibly the male victim’s father.

"Investigators on the scene say the two victims were a couple and had three children together and that the crime appears to be a case of a murder-suicide.

"The children were not at home at the time of the shooting.

"A pistol-grip shotgun was found inside the apartment and is believed to be the murder weapon.

"The names of the victims have not been released."

From CBS47.tv...

Jersey City Police Suspect Murder/Suicide

"JERSEY CITY, NJ - Jersey City police found a man and a woman shot dead in a Jersey City residence at 62 Storms Ave., on Tuesday morning, officials said. It appears to be a murder-suicide in the woman’s home, officials added.

"The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the cops’ call at 9 a.m. The man and the woman were in a relationship, but it’s not clear if they were living together, Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said.

"DeFazio said the cause and the manner of the deaths will not be determined until the autopsies are conducted."

From nj.com...

Dead Pair Had "Prior Relationship"

"PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ - On August 7, 2010, at approximately 6:30 PM, Yavapai County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported homicide in the 3400 block of Pima Road, Prescott Valley. Inside the home, deputies found a deceased male and female both of whom had been shot. Medical personnel checked the condition of each and confirmed both were deceased.

"During a preliminary investigation and based on evidence examined at the scene, deputies determined the male shot the female and then killed himself. A handgun was recovered from the scene.

"The female victim has been identified as 39-year-old Marcella Thomas who resided at the Pima Road home. The man, now classified as a suspect in this case, will not be identified until his family has been notified about the death. The suspect was apparently in a prior relationship with Thomas. The call to YCSO came from Thomas' friend who had gone to the home to check on her welfare."

From prescottenews.com...

"He Looked Like A Normal Guy To Me"

"STATEN ISLAND, NY - A woman and two children were slashed with a knife in their Staten Island townhouse on Sunday night, the police said. Officers later found the woman’s companion in the home with a fatal knife wound.

"The woman, 34, and an 18-month-old boy were outside the townhouse, at 110 Hempstead Avenue in Midland Beach, when officers arrived about 7:40 p.m.

"The woman said that they had been attacked by her companion, a 40-year-old man, who was still in the house with her 3-year-old daughter.

"After unsuccessfully trying to communicate with the man, the police entered the house and found him in the kitchen with a slash wound.

"The girl was in a third-floor bedroom.

"The police did not release the names of the victims or the suspect.

"All the victims were slashed in the neck. The woman and the two children were reported in serious condition at Staten Island University Hospital, the police said.

"The man was pronounced dead around 9 p.m. at the same hospital.

"A neighbor, Michael Bronshteyn, 47, said his wife saw the woman cradling the boy on the front steps of the townhouse. Both were covered in blood, he said, and the woman was screaming that her daughter remained in the house.

"Mr. Bronshteyn said the man, woman and children had lived in the neighborhood, which he described as mostly Russian, for one to two years. He had seen the man around the house, trimming the bushes, walking with the children and holding hands with the woman on different occasions.

"`He looked like a normal guy to me,` Mr. Bronshteyn said."

From The New York Times...