Mother-In-Law Survives Botched Murder/Suicide

"WEST PALM BEACH, FL — West Palm police said they were investigating an attempted murder-suicide late Monday.

"Officers said they received a call about a shooting at about 6 p.m. from a home in the 1700 block of 37th Street.

"Investigators said 47-year-old George Delva entered the home and shot his mother-in-law, 66-year-old Rosette Charles, before turning the gun on himself. Police said Delva died at the scene.

"Detectives said Charles was taken to Saint Mary's Hospital and is expected to be OK.

"Investigators said Delva was going through a divorce at the time of the shooting.
Detectives said Delva blamed his wife's parents for their marital problems and came to the house to hand keys over to them.

"Police said he told his in-laws goodbye, then pulled the gun out and shot Charles three times before some children in the house took the gun.

"Officers said Delva threatened the kids and they gave the gun back to him. Investigators said Delva then fatally shot himself.

"Police said the Charles' husband was also taken to a hospital for chest pains after witnessing the shooting."

From WPBF.com...

Three Dead In Rural West Virginia

"KOPPERSTON, WV — Wyoming County Deputies are investigating a double-murder suicide near Kopperston.

"Deputies confirm two adult men and one adult woman were found dead inside a home in Crany Hollow.

"Sheriff Randal Aliff said deputies arrived on the scene around noon on Monday, he said he is unsure of the exact time of death or the cause.

"Aliff said he is not releasing the names of the victims until family members are notified.

"No other information is being released at this time."

From The State Journal...

Engaged To Be Dead

"APPOMATTOX COUNTY, VA — An engaged couple died in an apparent murder-suicide early Sunday morning.

"Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a home in the 1100 block of Narrow Passage Road near the Spout Spring area of Appomattox for a domestic dispute at about 1 a.m. Sunday.

"Upon arrival, they found a female inside the home, who had been shot several times and was dead, said Appomattox County Chief Deputy Todd Craft.

"Several hours later, Amherst County deputies found the suspect, her fiancé, dead in Amherst County where he is believed to be from. His body was in the cemetery at Galilee Baptist Church in Gladstone with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said deputies.

"The female’s body has been sent to the medical examiners office. Officials are not releasing the names of the victims until identities have been confirmed."

From NewsAdvance.com...

UPDATE:

02/03/2011 — "No signs" leading to murder/suicide...

Former Lovers Found Dead At Motel 6

"STANTON, CA — Two people were found dead – one from a gunshot wound – at a motel Friday afternoon from what appears to have been a murder-suicide, Orange County Sheriff's Department officials reported.

"The two—a man and a woman, both in their 30s—were former lovers, according to officials.

"`They had been involved for quite a while,` sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said, `until she broke it off recently. It was a strained relationship.`

"Investigators found the woman's body in the back seat of a 2007 GMC Yukon in the motel's rear parking lot. They found the man nearby in one of the motel's rooms, with a handgun nearby, Amormino said.

"Authorities did not release their names or their cities of residence because the woman's family had not been notified of her death.

"The manager at the Motel 6 on Katella and Western avenues called the Sheriff's Department about 2 p.m. Friday to report a man acting suspiciously near a black sport utility vehicle, Amormino said.

"When deputies arrived, they found the woman dead inside the Yukon, which belonged to the man.

"The woman's body showed no signs of trauma, Amormino said.

"`Usually in a murder case, you will see signs of trauma,` Amormino said.

"The man appears to have died from a gunshot wound, and a handgun was found in the room with him, Amormino said. One of the room's windows was broken, possibly from a bullet.

"The Orange County coroner's office has scheduled autopsies Monday for both the man and the woman.

"Motel records showed the man checked in earlier than when management called the
Sheriff's Department. He had no luggage.

"Drugs or alcohol did not appear to be factors in the deaths, Amormino said."

Source: Orange County Register...

3 Kids Survive Mom's Murder/Suicide Plan

"GRANTS, NM — A woman is dead and her three children are hospitalized after their vehicle catches fire in western New Mexico.

"Sheriff's officials say the mother picked up her three children from school Thursday and took them to a pond near Ramah.

"All four took unknown pills. The Cibola County sheriff believes the mother died from ingesting the pills.

"Investigators found the 10-year-old girl, and 11- and 13-year-old boy at a nearby hospital early Friday morning. Investigators believe one of the children gained consciousness after smelling smoke.

"At this point, investigators believe the mother died with her foot on the gas pedal, which caused the vehicle's catalytic converter to smoke and eventually catch fire.

"Investigators are trying to determine what substance the four ingested.

"The three children are being treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. Their father is by their side."

From KOB.com...

"There Was Blood Everywhere"

"RIDGELAND, MS — A 44-year-old Pearl woman, wounded earlier today outside her Ridgeland office by her estranged husband, died about 2:30 p.m. at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in what police describe as a murder-suicide.

"Police said Stefanie Willard, a manager at Exam One at 996 Northpark Drive, saw her husband drive up and went out to see him. Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston said Billy Willard, 52, pulled out a lever-action hunting rifle and shot her before turning the weapon on himself.

"Billy Willard died at the scene. Stefanie Willard was transported to UMC.

"Houston said two of three shots the man fired at his wife struck her. He said police recovered a casing from a downspout.

"Police found a note in the man’s car in which he bemoaned that he and his wife were not living together and saying he had `anger in my heart.`

"Houston said he is not sure how long the couple had been married but he thinks it was about 15 years.

"Margaret White, a nearby office worker, said she heard no hesitation between the shots.

"At first she did not believe it was anything other than hunters. `Hunters are back here all the time,` she said.

"Then she looked outside her window. `There was blood everywhere,` White said. `You see it on TV, but never really see it like that.

"`Who would have believed that would have happened here?` she asked.

"Exam One performs physical exams for life insurance policies."

Source: clarionledger.com...

Attempted Vehicular Murder/Suicide

"PHOENIX, AZ — A man who police suspect of attempting suicide by crashing his SUV into an oncoming car was arrested this week in connection with the driver's death, Phoenix police said Friday.

"David Mark Buot, 42, was traveling east near 6200 E. Pinnacle Peak Road in north Phoenix about 8:30 a.m. Oct. 22 when his 2003 Toyota 4Runner crossed the center line of the road into oncoming traffic, said Sgt. Tommy Thompson of the Phoenix Police Department.

"Buot's SUV slammed into a 1999 Mercedes-Benz driven by Christine Anderson, Thompson said.

"Anderson, a 49-year-old mother of three, died of injuries sustained from the collision.

"Buot also sustained injuries.

"Detectives with the Vehicular Crimes Unit of the Phoenix Police Department who investigated the collision suspect Buot intended to commit suicide by veering head-on into Anderson's car, Thompson said.

"Buot was booked Thursday into the Maricopa County Jail on suspicion of one count of second-degree murder in connection with Anderson's death, Thompson said."

From azcentral.com...

Cancer And Alzheimer's Lead To Desperate Act

"FAYETTEVILLE, AR — Police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide involving an elderly couple midday today in Fayetteville.

"Fayetteville police said Richard E. Guthrie and Elizabeth S. Guthrie were found dead when officers arrived at the scene. Both had suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

"Officers responded to 5657 W. Reliance St. at about 11:30 a.m. today after a man reported that his grandfather was feeling suicidal.

"The man reportedly called his grandson and told him he planned to kill his wife, before taking his own life.

"Fayetteville Police Sgt. Bill Phelan said the suicidal man was in his late 80s or early 90s. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and his wife was battling Alzheimer’s Disease.

"`I don’t think this was the first time he’d felt suicidal,` Phelan said."

From NWAonline.com...

Domestic Dispute Leaves Two Dead

"RAINSVILLE, AL — Two people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Rainsville Wednesday afternoon.

"DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said Danny Graham shot his wife, Karen Collins Graham, and then killed himself at the couple's Wisner Street home behind North Alabama Trophies.

"Harris said he believes the shooting happened after a domestic dispute.

"According to DeKalb County District Attorney Mike O'Dell, the bodies have been sent for an autopsy.

"`The investigation is still in the early stages and is ongoing,` Harris said."

From the Times-Journal...

Five Kids Orphaned

"PELION, SC — A Lexington County couple has died in what police are calling a murder-suicide.

"Victoria Williamson Tindall, 28, was shot in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun, Lexington County Coroner Harry Harman said. Brian Tindall, her 33-year-old estranged husband, died from a self-inflicted shot to the head with the same weapon, Harman said.

"The couple's bodies were found at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday inside a their home on Track Road near Pelion. Police went to the scene after Brian Tindall's mother called them, Lexington County Sheriff James Metts said. Brian Tindall had called his mother and told her that he had shot and killed his wife, police said. He also told her that he planned to kill himself and that he wanted his mother to come to the house to take the couple's youngest child, a three-year-old girl.

"When police arrived at the house, they found Brian Tindall lying in a doorway near the kitchen with a 12-gauge shotgun near his body. His wife's body was on the kitchen floor.

"Police are continuing their investigation as to what prompted the shooting. Brian Tindall had moved out of the home about three weeks ago, police said.

"The couple had five children, aged 3, 7, 10 (twins), and 11. The other four were at school when the shooting took place, police said. The three-year-old did not witness her parents' deaths."

From TheState.com...

Welfare Check Reveals Gruesome Scene

"ASHE COUNTY, NC — Ashe County investigators are looking into the death of a husband and wife in what might have been either a murder-suicide or a suicide pact.

"Sheriff James Williams said a landlord was concerned that no one had been seen at the 466 Rustic Acres Road property off of NC 163 for at least several days, lights on day and night, and an Ashe deputy was dispatched for a welfare check on the couple. There the officer found the dog in distress, unfed, and he called for back-up to make entry.

"Inside, the bodies of 49-year old Robert Parise and his wife, Linda Ann, 58, were found. Fire department air packs were needed to work inside the residence due to the level of decay, and the SBI was called to the scene.

"Sheriff Williams said there was no sign of trauma, no evidence of theft or forced entry, leading investigators to believe a double suicide or murder-suicide might be the cause.

"The sheriff said that the couple was known to have some financial troubles and there were reports of prescription drug abuse. Pills were found in the house—pills that might have been the cause of death.

"The bodies were sent to Chapel Hill for autopsy and toxicology reports, the latter to take several weeks. Sheriff Williams said that the probe will remain open pending those reports."

From GoBlueRidge.net...

Man Shoots Girlfriend, Grabs Kid, Shoots Himself In Car

"POMPANO BEACH, FL — A Pompano Beach man shot his girlfriend inside his home and fled the scene with his young son before shooting himself inside his car, police said.

"The incident began just before 8 p.m. at the Golden Square apartment complex on the 1300 block of Northwest 18th Dr., where police responded to a domestic incident.

"The Broward Sheriff's Office said the unidentified man fatally shot his girlfriend inside the home, then fled the scene with his 3-year-old son to the 2900 block of Northwest 33rd Way in Lauderdale Lakes.

"Police say the man shot himself in the car just before 9 p.m. They say the boy was not in the car at the time and was uninjured."

From nbcmiami.com...

Young Couple Found Dead

"VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MN — A young married couple were found dead Tuesday morning in a Vadnais Heights townhouse.

"Authorities went to check on the residents—believed to be a 19-year-old woman and 21-year-old man—about 10:15 a.m. in the 800 block of Woodgate Drive.

"The woman's co-worker called police to say she hadn't seen her in two days, said Ramsey County sheriff's spokesman Randy Gustafson.

"Authorities broke in when they saw the bodies and made certain the couple were dead and that there was no other danger, he said.

"Authorities had to wait about two hours for a search warrant so they could conduct a more thorough investigation, Gustafson said.

"The couple's identities have not been released.

"A neighbor last saw the couple on Saturday, Gustafson said. It's unclear how long they were dead before being discovered.

"Authorities would not say how the couple died or release any details of what happened. Gustafson said that they do not believe the public is in danger."

Source: StarTribune.com...

Mom Slits Daughter's Throat, Jumps Off Bridge

"AHWAHNEE, CA — The Madera County Sheriff's Department is investigating an apparent murder suicide that happened Tuesday morning near Ahwahnee.

"Investigators believe 23-year-old Crystal Lynn Lewis killed her 5-year-old daughter, Marijane Lyn Lewis, before taking her own life.

"The Sheriff's Department is investigating the murder but preliminary reports say it appears the mother slit the child's throat.

"The child's body was discovered around 4:30 a.m. by her grandparents, where she and her mother lived, at their home located on Windsong Way, just north of Ahwahnee.

"Crystal Lewis' body was found under the William Sells Jr. Bridge in Mariposa County, about 2 miles from their home, around 7:30 a.m.

"Madera County Sheriff John Anderson says the case is complicated by the fact that the child’s murder happened in Madera County and the mother’s suicide happened in Mariposa County. `…so they are doing the coroner case and we are looking at a homicide case on this side,` Anderson said.

"The investigation is currently looking for a motive for the mother killing her child before taking her own life."

From CBS47.tv...

City Councilwoman And Husband Found Dead

"MESQUITE, NV — The Mesquite Local News is reporting a possible murder-suicide at the home of Mesquite City Councilwoman Donna Fairchild.

"Mesquite Police officers say they responded to a call from a residence on Arguello Drive Tuesday morning at approximately 4:30 am. Upon arrival, officers found Councilwoman Fairchild and her husband, Bill Fairchild, dead.

"A preliminary investigation shows each of them died of a single gunshot wound; an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning."

From KTNV.com...

UPDATE:

01/27/2011 — Councilwoman was the killer...
03/22/2011 — Couple had quit smoking & were dieting...
08/22/2011 — In depth CNN follow-up story...

Cops Wonder Who Shot Who

"FORT LUPTON, CO — A father and son were found shot in the basement of their Fort Lupton home Monday evening in an apparent murder-suicide.

"According to the Weld County Sheriff's Office, the pair may have been intoxicated when the shootings occurred,

"They were found in a home in the 600 block of McKinley Street just before 6:00 p.m. Monday evening.

"It appears that one of the victims shot the other, then shot himself, according to Margie Martinez with the Weld County Sheriff's Office.

"The conditions and ages of the two were not immediately released."

From KRDO.com...

Mom Shoots Kids, Dog, Torches House

"AUSTIN, IN — Indiana State Police say they've determined that three children who were found dead inside a home in Scott County, Ind. were shot to death by their biological mother.

"According to a news release distributed by the Indiana State Police, 30-year-old Amanda Bennett shot and killed 14-year-old Jasmine Abbott, 9-year-old Katelynn Bennett and 4-year-old Ryan Bennett on Friday while at their home in the 200 block of New York St.

"Police say that after shooting her children, Amanda Bennett started a fire in the home and took her own life.

"The family dog was also shot, but is recovering in a Scott County veterinary clinic.

"Police are calling the incident, `a tragic case of murder/suicide that claimed three innocent lives along with the suspect of the murders, Amanda Bennett.`

"The official cause of death has not yet been determined, as the autopsies have not been completed, but preliminary autopsy results indicate that all four individuals died as a result of gunshot wounds to the head."

From FOX41.com...

A Lady Pulls The Trigger

"COLUMBIA, SC — A man and a woman are dead in what the Richland County Sheriff's Department is calling a murder-suicide.

"It happened around 11:30pm Friday at the Shell gas station on Percival Road.

"Spokeswoman Monique Mack said the woman shot the male and then turned the gun on herself. She said a witness statement indicated the two were involved in some kind of romantic relationship."

From WISTV.com...

Deadly Love Triangle

"CODY, WY — One man died Friday night another was injured in an attempted murder-suicide after a confrontation over a woman in Cody, Wyo.

"A news release from Cody Police Chief Perry Rockvam said John Tully, 62, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and Larry Jansma, 53, was shot at least once at a Cody home.

"On Friday evening, Kathy Stahl, 52, and Jansma were at a Cody liquor store when they bumped into Tully, who dated Stahl until last November, according to the release.
Rockvam wrote that Tully intentionally bumped into Jansma and then began speaking with Stahl before Jansma left.

"Stahl left the liquor store and Jansma decided to follow her home, at 3220 Sheridan Ave., to make sure she was safe. When the pair went into her garage, they found Tully waiting inside and confronted him before he left, the release states.

"As he was leaving, Tully said "If I am going down, you're coming with with me" to Jansma, Rockvam wrote.

"Stahl and Jansma went into her home and spotted Tully outside about 20 minutes later. Stahl called police shortly after 11 p.m. to report that Tully was trying to break into her home.

"`The dispatcher receiving the call then heard a woman scream and the phone then went dead,` Rockvam wrote in the release.

"When officers arrived, they learned that Tully shot Jansma at least once from outside through a window while Stahl was on the phone.

"Stahl tried to barricade herself in a bathroom before Tully forced himself into the bathroom and shot himself with a .44 magnum pistol, the release states.

"Officers found Tully dead on a hallway floor near the bathroom with a revolver next to his body. A short time later, they found Jansma conscious and breathing on the dining room floor.

"Rockvam, reached by phone Saturday afternoon, said he was unaware of any restraining order against Tully.

"`I don't know if there's any previous history,` he said. `If there was, it wasn't reported to us.`

"The extent of Jansma's injuries was not immediately available.

"A search of Tully's home turned up what appears to be a suicide note and an empty holster.

"Rockvam said police waited until Saturday to release details because they were still piecing together what happened.

"`We wanted to do a canvas in the area,` Rockvam said. `We wanted to look for any other witnesses that heard the gunshots or saw what happened. We couldn't get people to answer the doors, and we didn't want release any information until we followed up on what happened.`"

Source: Billings Gazette...

Hungry Cat Leads Police To Double Murder/Suicide

"NEW CASTLE, PA — A 40-year-old woman, her 12-year-old son and the boy's elderly grandmother were found shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide just after 12:30 p.m. Friday.

"Police say all three died inside their South Mercer Street duplex from single gunshots to the head. Police estimate they'd been dead for at least two days.

"Reports say a neighbor called 911 after noticing the victims' cat milling around searching for food. That's when officers came to the home and discovered the bodies.

"`They were concerned that the cat doesn't usually go over and eat cat food from the neighbors, and they were concerned that they didn't see the family either,` said New Castle police Chief Thomas Sansone.

"Reports said the boy and grandmother were found in separate upstairs bedrooms, and the other woman was found at the foot of the stairs.

"Police recovered a 38-caliber revolver at the scene but said there's no sign of forced entry and no word on a possible motive."

From WYTV.com...

Pair Found Dead

"KINGMAN, AZ — The Mohave County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a case involving at least one suicide Thursday night.

"Deputies said they responded to a suicide report and upon arrival at the home on the 8700 block of Sycamore Street found two bodies that had been shot in the heads.

"Michael Dominguez, 27. Was declared deceased at the scene and Kendell Louise Kingman, 15, was airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital but died before landing. The two were involved in a personal relationship.

"Dominguez had called a relative and mentioned suicide, and the relative then informed police.

"According to police, there is no reason to believe anyone else was involved, and they are currently investigating this as a homicide-suicide or suicide-suicide.

"There was only one weapon found at the scene. Investigators are waiting for autopsy results."

From KPHO.com...

No Motive In Bar Shooting

"JONES VALLEY, CA — Authorities have released the identities of two men dead in what Sheriff's deputies are calling a murder-suicide in Jones Valley Thursday night.

"Sheriff's officials report a witness told them John Grant, 62, walked into the Idle Hour Bar in Jones Valley and shot Ronald Dunlap, 50, in the head at close range.

"Shasta County Sheriff's officials said they received reports of shots fired and responded just after 6:00 PM. When they arrived on scene they found Dunlap dead.

"According to a press release, investigators found the suspect dead of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. His body was found at the Jones Valley Campground area of Pollution Point around 6:40 p.m.

"As of early Friday morning, now any motive in the shootings remains unclear .Captain Jeff Foster with the Shasta County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit says those witnesses have told officers about possible motives but officials say it takes a while to get all the stories straight.

"`Any time you go to one of these kinds of scenes you have the three, four, five different versions of what happened, so we need things to calm down, we need to get them in a sterile environment and talk to them, just ask them what happened.` Captain Foster said.

"Detectives said Thursday night they expected witness interviews to last well into the night and into Friday morning as they try to put everything together.

"Captain Foster says officials are confident there is no danger to the public."

From KRCRTV.com...

Bodies Found In Cemetery

"JACKSON COUNTY, WV — The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is investigating what's believed to be a murder-suicide.

"Sheriff Mike Bright [said] the bodies of a husband and wife were found in a pickup truck around 3:30 Wednesday morning at the White Pine Cemetery on Stone Lick Road near Kenna.

"Investigators say it appears the husband shot the wife and then turned the gun on himself.

"According to the sheriff, the husband called relatives Tuesday night to say he was planning to shoot the two of them, but he wouldn't reveal a location. That's when the relative called 911.

"The family told emergency officials of several locations where the husband liked to go. A short time later a relative found the bodies at the cemetery.

"However, it's unclear if that's where the first shooting took place.

"The husband and wife were in their 40s. Their names have not been released.

"The sheriff says the couple did not have a history of domestic violence."

From WSAZ.com...

Attempted Murder/Suicide And SWAT Standoff

"CINCINNATI, OH — A Mariemont man involved in a SWAT standoff on Sunday night is being held on a $1 million bond.

"Police and the Hamilton County SWAT team were called to Grove Avenue for a report of a shooting around 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

"Police say that 56-year-old Dennis Reynolds shot and killed his wife, 50-year-old Camille Reynolds, before turning the gun on himself.

"Investigators say he then shot himself in the head and was transported to University Hospital, before being taken to the Hamilton County Justice Center.

"`When I came out, I saw the whole street locked down,` said one neighbor who didn't want to be identified. `I've seen over 50 or 60 cars coming by just to check out the scene. I mean, they are devastated by it, the whole block is talking about it.`

"Investigators are trying to put together what led up to the shootings."

From WFIE.com...

Teen Shooter Kills Dad, Self

"KILLEEN, TX — A 15-year-old Killeen boy evidently shot his 39-year-old father to death and then turned the gun on himself, police said Tuesday.

"A family friend discovered the bodies at around 9 p.m. Monday at a residence in the 800 block of Turtlebend in Killeen and called 911.

"The friend, whose name wasn’t released, had dropped by to check on the two residents Tuesday night after she was unable to reach them during the day.

"An investigation determined that the teenager shot his father, who may have been asleep, and then shot himself.

"Bell County Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke pronounced the two dead at the scene and ordered autopsies.

"The names of the two victims were not released Tuesday."

From KWTX.com...

Breezeway Of Doom

"MIDWEST CITY, OK — Two people were found dead at the Yorkshire Apartments in the 2600 block of N. Glenhaven Drive early Monday evening after a reported shooting.

"Midwest City Police Chief Brandon Clabes said police received several 911 calls at about 4:45 p.m. of shots fired at the Yorkshire Apartments near Reno Avenue and Air Depot Boulevard.

"`I heard about seven or eight gunshots and came downstairs to see what's going on and didn't really see nothing until about 15 minutes later, and that's when all the cops and all of that started showing up,` said John Leahr, Yorkshire Apartments resident.

"Clabes said Patrick Ball, 29, and Amber Wright, 21, were found in a breezeway at the apartment complex.

"Witnesses told police Ball chased Wright out of an apartment after some sort of dispute and shot her several times before shooting himself in the chest.

"Police did find a weapon at the scene but will not call the incident a murder-suicide until the medical examiner's office releases the exact cause of death for Ball and Wright.

"Police said Ball and Wright had a child together who was at a local daycare at the time of the incident. The child has been taken into protective custody."

From NEWS9.com...

UPDATE:

01/20/2011 — Shooter was "pushed over the edge"...

Coffee Clash Leaves Two Dead

"SAN JOSE, CA — San Jose Police were called to the scene of an apparent murder-suicide Saturday outside a Peet's Coffee & Tea shop in the 1300 block of El Paseo de Saratoga.

"According to police spokesman Officer Jose Garcia, a call to the department came in about 9:19 p.m. Saturday. When officers arrived on the scene, they found `two males in their 40s laying on the ground` near the coffee shop.

"Officer Garcia said police cordoned off the area and began to question witnesses but did not have any information about motive or exactly what had happened between the two men. It appeared, Garcia said, that one man shot the other in that public location and then took his own life with the same weapon.

"However, until more information could be gathered, Garcia said police could not say precisely what occurred.

"The men were found in an area just off Saratoga Avenue near Westgate Mall, the El Paseo Shopping Center and The Retro Dome theater. It is also close to where Hamilton and Campbell avenues converge."

From MercuryNews.com...

UPDATE:

01/17/2011 — Victim was suspected killer of perp's sister...
01/17/2011 — More on this intriguing tale of revenge...
01/24/2011 — New questions arise in decade-old murder case...

"A Real Horrible Circumstance"

"AURORA, CO — Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide after the bodies of a man and a woman were found inside an Aurora residence.

"Officers found the bodies Saturday after they were called to the house in the 2500 block of S. Killarney Court for a welfare check. Aurora Detective Bob Friel says no suspects are being sought.

"Neighbors say the couple had several young children including two sets of twins.

"`It's a real horrible circumstance.I feel and pray for their children,` said a neighbor.

"Police say they believe the couple were common-law husband and wife. No names have been released.

"The couple's children are in the custody of family members.

"`Its going to be hard for them growing up and having to deal with no parents. Hopefully the grandparents will step in,` said Jeri Chavez, another neighbor.

"Officers haven't said whether the children were in the home when the bodies were discovered."

From KDVR.com...

UPDATE:

01/17/2011 — Couple "didn't seem troubled"...

Deputies Find Bodies During Welfare Check

"BINGHAM TWP, MI — Police are investigating two deaths that occurred at about 10:55 p.m. Friday on Yallup Road south of St. Johns.

"According to a news release, deputies from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office drove to the home in reference to a welfare check on one of the homeowners.

"They found two people dead inside the home, according to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Police said the incident appears to be a murder-suicide.

"The two people are related to each other, but police have not released the names pending notification of next of kin.

"The cause of death for the homicide victim remains under investigation pending autopsy results, according to the sheriff's office."

From LSJ.com...

Elderly Couple Found Dead In Rural Iowa

"ELLIOTT, IA — An elderly couple was found dead in their home Friday afternoon after what officials are calling `dual suicide.`

"Dale and Evelyn Mae Embree, 82 and 83 years old, respectively, were found dead in their home in rural Elliott, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

"Evelyn died from two gunshot wounds, while Dale died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

"Their bodies were found at 12:22 p.m. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office called the deaths a `dual suicide.`

"According to a release, the investigation into the deaths is complete. The sheriff’s office declined to release any further information."

From Omaha.com...

Mother's Plan Goes Up In Smoke

"QUINCY, MA — The mother of an 8-year-old Quincy boy has been charged with first-degree murder after firefighters found the boy unresponsive in their apartment while a hibachi grill burned nearby.

"Li Rong Zhang, 39, was arraigned Friday in her room at a Boston area hospital, Police Chief Paul Keenan and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey said at a press conference at the Quincy police station. Zhang was hospitalized after firefighters found her and her son, Brandon Yang, unconscious in their 19 Yardam Lane apartment in the Germantown section of the city.

"They said firefighters had to force their way with a crowbar into the bedroom, where the boy and his mother were. A bureau was blocking the door.

"Police said there was a wok or hibachi grill in the center of the room. The grill was lit but nothing was cooking on it. Yang was found on a bed and Zhang was on the floor.

"The boy was pronounced dead at Quincy Medical Center on Thursday afternoon.

"Keenan said investigators believe the mother may have been attempting a murder-suicide.

"Yang’s 16-year-old brother first alerted authorities after coming home to find his mother and brother unconscious."

Source: PatriotLedger.com...

Charcoal & Bullets

"NOVI, MI — A husband apparently shot his wife and two young sons to death today, then drove a few miles away and killed himself by breathing in poisonous fumes from a charcoal grill he had placed in his car, police said today.

"About 11:30 a.m., Novi police responded to a home on Applebrook Drive near Nine Mile and Napier roads, where friends of a 39-year-old woman were concerned because her two sons, ages 4 and 7, had not shown up for school. The woman, who was having marital problems, had missed a scheduled appointment with a friend.

"Shortly after noon, police entered the home and found an apparent crime scene with three bodies, all dead from gunshot wounds.

"At about 2:30 p.m., the Oakland County Sheriff's Office found a suspect vehicle, a GMC Acadia, parked in a department store parking lot off Milford Road and Interstate 96. It was occupied by the 39-year-old husband, dead from an apparent suicide caused by a charcoal grill he had ignited inside the vehicle. The grill produced deadly carbon monoxide fumes.

"The deaths - believed to have occurred sometime within the past 24 hours - remain under investigation. Autopsies are pending.

"Investigators are pursuing several motives, including that the couple - who live in 2,500-square-foot, two-story brick home - apparently were having financial difficulties. The husband's business recently failed; the wife was an engineer."

Source: The Detroit News...

UPDATE:

01/16/2011 — Family was deeply in debt, facing bankruptcy...

Grandmother, Grandson Found Shot To Death

"LIVERMORE, CA — A grandmother and her grandson are dead in an apparent murder-suicide discovered Thursday evening.

"Officers were called about 7:25 p.m. Family friends visiting the grandmother's home in the 600 block of Canterbury Avenue found the 96-year-old resident dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

"Soon after they found the body of the woman's grandson, also shot in the head. Police said there were no obvious signs of forced entry or intrusion into the white, one-story home, not far from William Mendenhall Middle School.

"Further details were not immediately available, with police only saying the deaths are being treated as suspicious.

"The identities of the deceased have not been released by the Alameda County Coroner's Office.

"Neighbor Carolyn Rauch said the elderly woman, a Tennessee native, had lived at the home for decades. Rauch said the woman had a `marvelous spirit,` and was an avid gardener who was very family oriented.

"`Family really was so important to her,` Rauch said, adding that the elderly victim had very devoted friends who would regularly visit her.

"`I really lost a very good friend,` Rauch said. `For all these years she was always there. She was like a grandmother to my daughter.`

"She called the woman's death, tragic."

Source: Mercury News...

Rude Awakening

"DESTREHAN, LA — The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating an apparent murder-suicide, after a Destrehan man allegedly shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.

"Deputies responded to the house on the corner of Trepagnier Drive and Voisin Drive in Ormand Estates just after 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

"The couple's 16-year-old daughter was in her room sleeping when she heard the gunshots, deputies said. She ran into her parents' bedroom and saw them both dead.

"Investigators said the couple was having problems in their marriage.

"The man's father said he is devastated to lose his only son.

"`I'm just hoping I'm dreaming,` Carroll Charles Sr. said. `I just hope i'm dreaming and I can wake up and see everything's alright.`

"The woman was a teacher at R.K. Smith Middle School in Luling. The couple also has a 19-year-old daughter who was not home at the time."

From WDSU.com...

"He Worried Me"

"FREDERICK, MD — Anne O'Brien said she has known her neighbors for about 10 years since both families moved into their homes at the end of a cul-de-sac in the 6300 block of Lysander Court.

"She said the family was hardworking, sociable, good neighbors -- except for John Ming Lee, who kept to himself and never even said hello.

"`I felt ... he worried me,` O'Brien said.

"On Thursday, authorities said Lee, 26, led Frederick County sheriff's deputies on a low-speed chase from the family's house to the 3200 block of Ballenger Creek Pike, where he crashed his car after allegedly shooting his mother, Siach Song, 50, and sister, Amy Zheng, 18, at their home.

"Lee was found dead in his car with what authorities said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Siach Song and Zheng were treated for gunshot wounds Thursday afternoon at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, said Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, sheriff's office spokeswoman.

"Lee's father, Jingmin Zheng, 58, was also treated at shock trauma for injuries he suffered when he jumped from a second-floor window of the house, Bailey said.

"All three victims were in serious but stable condition Thursday night, said hospital spokeswoman Cindy Rivers."

From FrederickNewsPost.com...

Missing Couple Turns Up Dead

"ALLIANCE, NE — The Alliance Police Department is investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide. A press release from Alliance Chief of Police John Kiss states that on January 12, 2011 at approximately 4:30 P.M., officers from the Alliance Police Department were dispatched to 1817 Nebrado, Alliance, Nebraska. It had been reported that residents of that address had failed to show up to work and their co-workers were concerned about their welfare.

"When officers arrived at the address it was discovered that both residents identified as Paul Pursley, age 43, and his wife, Lisa Pursley, age 22, were deceased. While autopsy results are pending, the investigation is continuing.

"The Alliance Police Department in conjunction with the Box Butte County Attorney’s Office is investigating these deaths."

From KCSR...

Dead Couple Had Marital Problems

"DECATUR, AL — A couple found dead Wednesday night after what an incident report called a `homicide/suicide` recently had marital problems, Decatur police said.

"A police department press release says investigators determined that Richard Willingham, 33, shot and killed Sequeta Willingham, 29, before turning the gun on himself at their 1609 14th Avenue S.E. apartment.

"Police were called to the scene at about 9:30 p.m. Family members called and asked police to check on the couple because they hadn't been able to contact them.

"Neighbors said they didn't know the couple and didn't know what was going on until the landlord of an adjacent duplex told them.

"The bodies have been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensics for further investigation."

From DecaturDaily.com...

Couple Found Dead In RV Park

"LA MARQUE, TX — A Lufkin couple was found dead in their travel trailer Wednesday in what police said was a murder-suicide.

"A worker at the Ron Hoover RV Park, 1803 Interstate 45, found the bodies in a bedroom of a large trailer and called police at 10:15 a.m., La Marque police Sgt. Shawn Spruill said.

"Spruill withheld the names of the two, saying police had been unable to notify relatives.

"The man was in his 60s and the woman was in her 50s.

"Each had a gunshot wound to the head. Officers found a handgun near the husband.

"`This couple was staying there, and they were getting work done on their trailer,` Spruill said. `One of the workers was scheduled to come over there this morning and found them.`

"Police knew of no reason for the shooting, Spruill said, noting he intended to speak to relatives to learn more about the couple.

"The couple could have been living at the park since November, based on the date of a work order for their trailer.

"`They had been down here before sightseeing and stayed at the RV park,` Spruill said.

"Police asked the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office to perform autopsies."

From KHOU.com...

Fire Followed Murder/Suicide

"TOMBALL, TX — Tomball police have found a second body in the ruins of a burned home and they're calling the situation an apparent murder-suicide.

"At about 7:30pm Sunday, Tomball police, firefighters and paramedics from Northwest EMS responded to a 911 call about an explosion that had just occurred in the Spring Creek Estates subdivision. First responders found a home in the 29000 block of Orchard Grove fully involved in flames.

"Fire crews from Tomball, Magnolia, Klein, Cypress Creek and Rosehill Fire Departments began to aggressively contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby houses.

"The Tomball Fire Marshall's Office and the Tomball Police Department have been investigating this fire, which has been ruled arson. As part of the investigation there have been significant search and evidence recovery efforts as well as a missing persons investigation.

"On Tuesday, the remains of an unidentified victim were discovered and turned over to the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office. Search of the residence resumed today at daybreak, and a second body was discovered at about 10am.

"While autopsy results are still pending, it is apparent that the deaths and fire were a result of a murder/suicide.

"Neighbors say the couple who lived in the home was going through a divorce."

From KTRK...

Victim Texted For Help

"HOUMA, LA — Terrebonne Parish sheriff's investigators said a prominent businessman shot his wife Wednesday before turning the gun on himself.

"It happened in the 100 block of Woodburn Street in Houma. Nicole Lirette Blanchard, 29, used her cell phone to text for help after she was shot in the mouth.

"When emergency responders arrived, they found Larry Blanchard, 57, lying on the floor with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Nicole Blanchard is being treated at Terrebonne General Medical Center.

"The couple owns Body Elite Fitness Company of Houma."

From WDSU.com...

Murder/Suicide Ends December/May Marriage

"BURKESVILLE, KY — Kentucky State Police are investigating after they say they believe a Cumberand County man shot his wife to death and then turned the gun on himself.

"The incident happened Sunday morning at a home on Scott River Drive in Burkesville. Police say an investigation revealed that 75-year-old Blanton Howard shot his wife, 39-year-old Stephanie Howard during a domestic dispute, then took his own life.

"Autopsies were performed Monday and preliminary results confirmed that both victims died as a result of gunshot wounds."

From LEX18.com...

Jumper Had Killed Wife, Daughter

"HARBOR CITY, CA — A man this morning apparently killed his wife and daughter in Harbor City, then jumped to his death from a building in San Pedro, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"The murder-suicide investigation began just after 10 a.m., when the two women were found dead in the 25200 block of Petroleum Avenue, said LAPD Officer Karen Rayner.

"One was woman was described as being in her 50s, while her daughter was in her 30s, Rayner said. Police believe they died from blunt force trauma, but the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office will investigate the cause of death, Rayner said.

"By 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a call that a man jumped to his death from a building in the 300 block of South Mesa Street in San Pedro. He was later identified as the husband of the older victim and the father of the younger woman, Rayner said.

"Police have not yet released the names of the victims.

"`We are actively investigating this as a murder-suicide,` Rayner said."

Source: Contra Costa Times...

Women Found Dead In Home

"ROCKWOOD, TN — Two women were found dead of gunshot wounds at a Roane County residence this afternoon in what authorities said appears to be a murder-suicide.

"A family member who came by the house at 323 Eblen Street discovered the bodies and called police about 2:45 p.m. today, said Rockwood Police Chief Bill Stinnett.

"The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently processing the crime scene, he said.

"Neither victim has been publicly identified yet, although one appeared to be in her mid- to late-20s and the other in her mid-30s, Stinnett said. Both were residents in the home.

"One victim was found with a single gunshot to her head, while the other appears to have suffered several gunshot wounds, the police chief said.

"`It appears to be a murder-suicide,` Stinnett said.

"One resident apparently had been in the process of moving out of the home, he added."

From knoxnews.com...

Police Ponder Possible Double Murder/Suicide

"EDWARDSVILLE, IL — The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a probable murder suicide.

"Police say while checking a residence in the 8500 block of Lagemann in Godfrey, officers discovered two bodies. Investigators then responded to the 3700 block of Franor in Alton, looking for a suspect.

"They found the body of a man outside and believe he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Police say the investigation is ongoing and that more information will be released after autopsies are performed."

From KMOX.com...

Two Dead In Possible Murder/Suicide

"COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Colorado Springs police are on the scene of a shooting in which two people were killed — possibly in a murder-suicide — in the Skyway Park neighborhood.

"The shooting was reported about 3:40 p.m. in the 800 block of Skyway Boulevard, said Colorado Springs police Sgt. Mark Stevens.

"Asked if the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, Stevens said, `We're looking into that as a possiblity.`

"Stevens said police are not searching for a gunman.

"As of 5 p.m., police had cordoned off 829 Skyway Blvd., an orange, ranch-style house with two pickups parked in the driveway.

"Four officers were standing in front of the house, while two others were knocking on doors on either side.

"Skyway Boulevard is closed from Milky Way to Morning Star Drive.

"Tim Freymuth, of the 1000 block of Milky Way, said he came out of his house about 4 p.m. after hearing sirens. A half-hour later, he saw police walk a woman out of the house and help her into a police car that drove away. She was not wearing handcuffs.

"No further details were immediately available, including the ages or genders of the victims."

From The Gazette...

UPDATE:

01/10/2011 — Shooter updated Facebook before killing...

2 Dead, Shooter Critical In Botched Double Murder/Suicide

"FLINT, MI — Police were at a house on Tacken Street, near Orr Street, processing the scene this morning of a murder/suicide that occurred at about 4:30 a.m. The incident left two men dead and one seriously injured.

"An unidentified man shot and killed 43-year-old Michael McLean and seriously injured 41-year-old Rodney McLean today at the house on Tacken Street. Police say the man had an altercation at the house earlier that night and later returned, broke into the house and shot the two victims. He fled the scene and as Flint Township police attempted to pull the man over, he shot himself.

"Neighbor Kelly Switalski, who lives next door to the house where the homicide occurred, said she and her boyfriend heard the gun shots early this morning and called 911. The police were quick to respond, she said, making it about seven minutes after their call.

"`It’s a tragedy,` Switalski said about the incident.

"Switalski said after the shots, they went into a back room in their house and hid until the police arrived.

"She has been awake since the incident happened early this morning."

From mlive.com...

Relative Finds Pair Dead

"SEBRING, FL — Highlands County has registered its first homicide of the new year.

"The Highlands County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into a murder/suicide that began Wednesday afternoon after the bodies of a husband and wife were discovered.

"According to the HCSO, a relative found the bodies of Lincoln Dreessen, 52, and Stacey Dreessen 48, inside their home at 6402 Cambridge Drive in Sebring. A call came in to dispatch at 12:45 p.m. and was coded as a homicide, according to logs from the HCSO.

"An autopsy was performed on Thursday morning. Stacey Dreessen died from a gunshot wound and her death was ruled a homicide, according to the HCSO.

"Lincoln Dreessen also reportedly died from a gunshot wound and his death was ruled a suicide.

"So far, authorities are calling the incident a domestic-related murder/suicide. No other information was available at press time, including a possible motive.

"`We're still investigating,` said Lt. Darin Hood."

Source: Highlands Today...

Two Dead In Tri-Plex Tragedy

"POCATELLO, ID — Two people are dead from an early Thursday morning shooting in Pocatello.

"Pocatello Police said a woman, 24, and a man, 23, were found at a tri-plex home on Woodhill Way.

"Detectives are still waiting for a search warrant before they can go in the home and begin their investigation.

"Police said it started at about 6:15 a.m. Thursday. When police arrived they found the found two and were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead.

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

From localnews8.com...

Two Men Dead In Parking Lot Murder/Suicide

"TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Authorities said two men are dead following what appears to be a murder-suicide shooting in a downtown parking lot this afternoon.

"The shooting occurred outside a business at 413 S. Union. Police said a man approached and shot another man in the chest, then turned the weapon on himself. A woman who was with one of the men was not injured.

"Police were interviewing her this afternoon."

Source: Traverse City Record-Eagle...

Teen Gunman Injures Two In Attempted Murder/Suicide

"OMAHA, NE — A high school student at Millard South High School [Web site] in Omaha, Nebraska killed himself after shooting his principal and an assistant principal on Wednesday.

"The shooting started at around 1 in the afternoon inside the high school. The gunman, 17-year-old Robert Butler Jr., first shot Principal Curtis Case, then Assistant Principal Vicki Kaspar.

"About half an hour later, the police found Butler dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a red Honda Accord in the parking lot.

"According to reports, Butler was the son Omaha Police Det. Robert Butler. They believed the teenager used his father’s Glock.

"Butler’s last status update on Facebook said, `Everybody that used to know me I’m sry but Omaha changed me and (expletive) me up. and the school I attend is even worse ur gonna here about the evil (expletive) I did but that (expletive) school drove me to this. I wont u guys to remember me for who I was b4 this ik. I greatly affected the lives of the families ruined but I’m sorry. goodbye.`"

From theNewsChronicle.com...

Parents Find Bodies At Home

"BORDENTOWN, NJ — Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Bordentown Township Police Chief Frank M. Nucera, Jr. announced today that a Bordentown Township husband and wife were found dead this morning inside their home in what appears to be a murder-suicide scenario.

"John Havens III, age 30, and Kerry Havens, age 29, were discovered inside their home at 41 Tantum Court, Bordentown Township, NJ, at approximately 7 a.m. today.

"Their bodies were found by Kerry’s parents, who had gone to the home to watch their grandchildren during the day while John and Kerry went to work. The children, a girl age 3 and a boy age 1, were not harmed.

"Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears the couple had an argument that resulted in one spouse killing the other, then committing suicide.

"Details of the deaths are being withheld pending autopsies, which will be performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood. At this point, there is no reason to believe the deaths were caused by a third party.

"The investigation is being conducted by detectives from the Bordentown Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit."
From The Trentonian...

Man, Woman, Two Cats Found Dead In Home

"PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ — Prescott Valley police officers are in the early stages of investigating an apparent murder-suicide.

"Early Wednesday morning, officers were called to the Terraces at Glassford Hill located at 5700 Market Street where two people were found dead.

"Inside an apartment at the complex officers located a dead man and woman with obvious signs of trauma. The victims have not been identified.

"Detectives are treating the case as a murder-suicide and police are not seeking any suspects at this time.

"Two dead cats were also found inside the apartment.

"Prescott Valley police said they will release additional details as they become available during the course of their investigation."

From azfamily.com...

Ex-Con Stable After Botched Murder/Suicide

"OMAHA, NE — Homicide detectives say a 47-year-old Omaha man fatally shot his girlfriend, a graduate of Amherst High School, before attempting to kill himself Saturday while parked in a car near 72nd and L Streets.

"Officer Jacob Bettin, a police spokesman, said Sunday that Rita J. Eckhout, 35, of Omaha was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspected gunman, Mitchel L. Hadan, was reported in critical but stable condition at Creighton University Medical Center.

"The incident occurred about 5:40 p.m. Saturday. An Omaha police officer, thinking a motorist needed assistance, stopped his cruiser and approached a sports car that was stopped on the ramp from 72nd Street to eastbound L Street.

"The officer spoke with Hadan, who was behind the wheel. On his way back to his cruiser to position it to divert traffic, the officer heard two gunshots.

"Hadan has a long criminal history and served nearly 10 years in prison for robbery, two counts of theft, attempted third-degree assault on a peace officer and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony. He began his sentence in March 1997 and was released in September 2006.

"The Eckhout family was aware of Hadan’s criminal background. Nathan Eckhout said he was `pretty worried` about his sister’s safety.

"`I don’t know what to say about this right now,` he said. `We’re still pretty much in shock.`"

Source: kearneyhub.com...

"He Was A Good Guy"

"COLUMBUS, OH — Columbus police homicide detectives are calling the first homicide of 2011 an apparent murder suicide. Police say they believe a man shot his estranged wife before taking his own life and it happened in the presence of their seven children. It happened Tuesday afternoon on the city's southwest side on the 4900 block of Lion Drive in the Emerald Glen Apartments complex.

"Around 4:30 pm Tuesday, police say they responded to the apartment on reports of a shooting. In the bedroom, they made a gruesome discovery; the bodies of a man and a woman.

"`It's my understanding there was a temporary separation between the couple, that she had returned home to visit with their children,` said Sergeant Steven Little. `An argument ensued at which time he shot and killed his wife and then shot himself.`

"Police identify the couple as 29-year-old Kimly Prak and 25-year-old Keorattana Lo.

"To make matters worse, police say the couple's seven children were present. Even more tragically, neighbors say Keorattana was pregnant. `The oldest child, I believe is 11 or 12 years old, she's the one that made the 911 call to our radio room and asked that the police respond,` said Sgt. Little.

"`He was a good guy, she was a good woman. They loved their kids,` says neighbor Troy Carpenter, who says he first met the couple days after they moved into their apartment four years ago. He says he can’t understand how it came to this. `They had split up I know for a couple months, but as far as this happening, everybody was clueless,` says Carpenter.

"He isn’t the only neighbor in shock. `It happened out of nowhere, really nobody was expecting this. We knew they were having problems and stuff but we never thought it would go to this extreme,` said Alex Rodriguez.

"Detectives continue to investigate. Police say the seven children are now in the custody of family members."

From nbc4i.com...

Kids Find Bodies

"WALTERBORO, SC — The Colleton County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that they are investigating what they currently believe to be a murder/suicide at a home on Stokes Road in Colleton County.

"Officials say Randall `Randy` Gregg Hughes, 44, and Christina `Tina` Maria Hughes, 37, husband and wife, were found dead of gunshot wounds at 1328 Stokes Rd. off Bells Highway.

"The sheriff's office received a call at 3:35 p.m. after sources say children in the home heard a commotion and discovered the bodies.

"Investigators believe that Randall Hughes shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself -- inflicting a fatal gunshot wound.

"Investigators say the two were reportedly in the middle of a marital separation."

From abcnews4.com...

Bodies Found In Home

"SARATOGA, CA — The bodies of a man and woman were found inside a Saratoga home Sunday, authorities said.

"Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies discovered the victims in the home on Walbrook Drive at about 3 p.m., sheriff's Sgt. Rick Sung said. A relative had asked deputies to check on the two, authorities said.

"The county medical examiner will determine the causes of the victims' deaths. Their names have not been released."

Source: SFGate.com...

Two Dead In "Quiet And Calm" Neighborhood

"EL PASO, TX — Sunday afternoon in the 5600 block of Melody Lane residents heard gunshots. El Paso police arrive to find two people dead in what they said is an apparent murder-suicide.

"The quiet and calm neighborhood quickly became a crime scene when just after 12 p.m. Sunday. Police responded to a shots fired call in the 5600 block of Melody Lane near Redd Road and Montoya Drive.

"`What they found was two individuals the victims of gunshot wounds,` said Darrel Petry, of the El Paso Police Department.

"Police said 64-year-old Juan Hernandez and 52-year-old Maria Perales began arguing in the back of Perales' home, but police said that argument quickly escalated.

"`Hernandez produced a handgun and shot Maria Perales one-time in the head,` said Petry.

"Police said Hernandez turned the gun on himself, according to investigators.

"Detectives are still trying to determine the relationship between Perales and Hernendez."

From KFOXTV.com...

Rivals In Critical Condition After Botched Murder/Suicide

"PATERSON, NJ — Two men remained in critical condition Sunday while detectives continued to piece together why one shot the other before turning the gun on himself, police said.

"The alleged gunman Jose Martinez and victim Marcel Paredes were still at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center on Sunday after the attempted murder-suicide on New Year's Eve.

"Martinez went to his ex-girlfriend's home on East 27th St. around 8:15 p.m. Friday, confronted Paredes and shot him in the torso and head, police said. Martinez then shot himself in the head, police said.

"Police are still investigating why Martinez shot Paredes, said Lt. Ronald Humphreys."

From NorthJersey.com...

Eviction Prompts Fire And Murder/Suicide

"SANTEE, CA — The New Year has started off violently in a Santee neighborhood. Firefighters say an out of control man set his home on fire, threatened anyone coming near it, then killed his wife and himself.

The couple is believed dead inside their home located on the 8500 block of Clifford Heights Road in Santee.

"A thick plume of smoke raced out of a burning inferno. The heat was, so intense, it devoured the home's roof within minutes. A car out front also went up in flames.

"Small explosions from inside the house penetrated a quiet Santee neighborhood New Year's Day.

"Bursts of ammunition also rattled through the air. The danger forced sheriff deputies to escort an elderly woman out of harm's way. Firefighters had to stand back and watch.

"Santee Interim Fire Chief Richard Mattick said, `The individual inside made some threatening remarks as far as shooting anyone responding to the house and setting the house on fire.`

"Ruth Taloza received an air compressor from the man right before the house went up in flames. Taloza says he told her he was laid off from his job, his wife lost her's, and was dying from cancer.

"Taloza said, `He told me we are being evicted out of the house. We attempted to apply 6 times. Wells Fargo we didn't get it.`

"Two familes had to be evacuated. One of the homes received minor fire damage.

"Sheriff homicide detectives are now looking into the deaths. Preliminary reports claim the wife died of a gunshot in the house."

From sandiego6.com...

One Dead In Botched Murder/Suicide

"ST LOUIS — Police say a man has died and another has been seriously injured in an attempted murder-suicide.

"Police were initially called to the 2200 block of University Street for a homicide. Early reports indicated that an unidentified man shot a male relative during a quarrel, then turned the gun on himself. The shooter has been pronounced dead, police say.

"The male victim survived. He was transported to an area hospital with at least one gunshot wound.

"Information on the relation between the two, the time the incident occurred and a motive were unavailable."

From stltoday.com...

New Year's Eve Marred By Murder, Suicide

"CHEROKEE, NC — Authorities say the suspect in the killing of one man and wounding of another at a hotel on the Cherokee Indian Reservation has committed suicide.

"Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran said John Stanley, of Bryson City, shot himself Friday evening as police closed in on him in Georgia, several hours after the North Carolina shooting.

"Authorities did not release the names of the men shot at the Quality Inn or any circumstances of the shooting.

"The hotel, packed with guests celebrating New Year's Eve, was closed much of the day as investigators looked for evidence."

From blueridgenow.com...