March 9 Missing Person Now Murder/Suicide

"BEND, OR — Police said Monday they believe the 72-year-old woman who has been missing since March 9 was likely killed by her husband who later fatally shot himself.

"Sandra Meyer's purse was found under her home and her blood was found in a heat duct at her home, Lt. Ben Gregory said Friday.

"Lt. Gregory said, `This case is being investigated as a homicide-suicide.` Detectives continue to search for Sandra.

"Sandra's 71-year-old husband John Meyer was found dead of a gunshot wound in their home on March 16.

"According to Lt. Gregory, an autopsy this week showed that John Meyer's wound was apparently self-inflicted.

"Two letters reportedly authored by John Meyers were found in the couple's home. John outlined his reasons for taking his life and denied any involvement in his wife's disappearance.

"Sandra's family has pleaded to the public to help search for her. Her nephew Tim Pries said, `We are realists but also hold hope in our hearts. We love her so much and just want her back with us,` Pries said.

"Sandra visited Bend's Old Mill district, a shopping area, en route to a book club meeting the day she vanished. Her car was located the next morning in a movie theatre parking lot in Bend.

"The family set up a website `Find Sandra Meyer.` They are asking anyone who has any information about Sandra's disappearance or her whereabouts to call the Bend Police Department at (541) 693-6911."

From examiner.com...

Unknown Relationship Between Teen Shooter & Victim

"BLOOMING GROVE, TX — A 63-year-old Blooming Grove woman was found dead Wednesday evening near her Navarro County home and a 16-year-old boy was discovered critically wounded and later died in what authorities say was an apparent murder-suicide.

"Navarro County sheriff deputies went to the house Wednesday evening in the 8400 block of NW County Road 4470 just west of Blooming Grove on a welfare call. Blooming Grove is 67 miles southeast of Fort Worth.

"The daughter of Mary Autry, 63, had contacted authorities, saying she had been unable to contact her mother.

"On arrival, Deputy Casey Gaston found the boy unconscious with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The boy who was not identified by authorities was taken by air ambulance to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where he later died.

"Additional deputies and investigators arrived on the scene and during a search of the property a deputy found Autry lying in the grass about 100 yards from her home. She apparently had died from a fatal gunshot wound, authorities said.

"Authorities did not release any information on the relationship between the teen and Autry."

From the Star-Telegram...

UPDATE:

04/01/2011 — Victim was shooter's stepmother...

Traffic Stop Brings Closure To Murder/Suicide

"MANGUM, OK — Two people are dead in rural southwestern Oklahoma, and authorities are investigating it as a murder-suicide.

"Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Jessica Brown said Lorhetta Sue Ketchersid, 55, did not show up for work Tuesday.

"Friends and family began searching for her, and her pastor found her body about 6 p.m. Tuesday on her property on 20280 E1340 Rd. along a river bank in Kiowa County.

"Troopers began searching for Joseph Dhayer, 44, of Mangum, who they believed was a person of interest. Dhayer was pulled over in his vehicle at noon Wednesday in Mangum by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and immediately shot himself in the head, Brown said.

"He died at the scene.

"Brown said it isn’t known what relationship Ketchersid and Dhayer had. A deputy who answered the phone at the Kiowa County Sheriff’s office declined to comment."

From NewsOK.com...

Kids At School While Mom & Dad Die At Home

"KENDALL, FL — Miami-Dade Police are investigating a deadly double shooting in Kendall.

"The victims are believed to be a couple, and detectives believe this may have been the result of a murder-suicide. The couple were found deceased inside their apartment Tuesday morning while the two children who live there were at school. Both children are accounted for in the school system and were not home at the time of the shooting.

"Miami-Dade Police responded to reports of gunshots at the apartment complex located along Southwest 112nd Avenue, just North of Kendall Drive, at around 8 in the morning. Police found the deceased couple inside a second floor apartment. Investigators have not released the identities of the victims.

"Police said it appears the man shot and killed the woman before turning the gun on himself. `According to investigators, at this point, the preliminary investigation is leaning towards a domestic situation, possibly a murder-suicide,` said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta. `Of course, it's to early to confirm any of that. We're allowing crime scene now to process the scene, and we'll have to wait the medical examiner's office to give the final word as far as cause of death.`

"The scene is still very active and police remain on the scene."

From WSVN.com...

"Legal Issue" Resolved By Gunfire

"NASHVILLE, TN — Police believe a man was shot and killed this morning at the 900 block of Massman Drive by his nephew who then turned the gun on himself.

"Stephen McRedmond, 59, was fatally shot on the porch of a single-family home by Brendan McRedmond, 25, at about 6:20 a.m. according to the Metro Police Department’s initial report.

"Then, Brendan McRedmond shot himself in the head and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition. Brendan McRedmond died about 11 a.m., according to police.

"Investigators believe Brendan McRedmond arrived at the home to confront Stephen McRedmond about a legal issue. Details of the legal issue are not yet known, police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said."

From The Tennessean...

Husband Found Dead After Stabbing Wife

"PAWTUCKET, RI — Police are investigating the homicide of a woman in Pawtucket and the death of her husband in Brockton, Mass. as a murder suicide.

"Maria Turmel, 34, was found dead inside a home at 63 Charlton Ave. around 3 p.m. Monday. Pawtucket police said Almeida had been stabbed numerous times and her death was ruled a homicide.

"During their investigation, police began looking for Turmel's husband, 35-year-old Antonio Dossantos.

"When they arrived at the Sycamore Ave. home owned by members of his family, Brockton police officers found Dossantos' body in the garage around 6:30 p.m.

"Pawtucket police said they believe Dossantos killed his wife, then took his own life.

"A man, who said he's the victim's uncle, [said] Turmel worked at Metro PCS and leaves behind two children who are 12- and 14-years-old."

From WPRI.com...

Breakup Leads To Attempted Murder/Suicide

"HOUSTON, TX — Houston police are investigating an apparent attempted murder-suicide in southeast Houston that ended with a man dead and a woman hospitalized.

"The shooting happened around 6:45pm Monday at Bellfort Pines Apartments in the 8300 block of Canyon at Shelby Cir.

"Police at the scene say a woman was shot in the neck after she told the man their relationship was over. That man was found dead inside the apartment.

"The woman was taken to an area hospital in an undisclosed condition.

"A four-year-old child who was found inside the apartment has been moved to a safe location while detectives continue their investigation.

"No other details were immediately available."

From KRTK...

Two Dead After Trip To Store

"VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Police responded to a parking lot in the 800 block of Baker Road shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday to find two people suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle, police said. Chiquita Long, 36, died at the scene. Rahkim Goodwin, 20, died later that evening at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

"Evidence found at the scene led detectives to believe that Goodwin shot Long and then himself, said Officer Adam Bernstein, a police spokesman. Autopsy results today confirmed that information, he said.

"Long died of a gunshot wound to the head, said Donna Price, an administrator for the medical examiner’s office. Her death was a homicide, she said.

"Goodwin also died of a gunshot wound to the head, Price said. His death was a suicide, she said.

"Long and Goodwin were in a relationship and had one child together, a six-month-old boy, said Goodwin’s uncle, Daniel Goodwin. Long also had five other children, her family said.

"They both lived in Norfolk.

"The shooting occurred in a parking lot shared by a beauty supply store, a night club and a 7-Eleven. Long, Goodwin and Long’s mother drove there together Sunday, and Long’s mother went inside the beauty supply store, Bernstein said.

"When she left the store, she found Long and Goodwin suffering from gunshot wounds inside the vehicle, he said."

From PilotOnline...

Shooter Chickens Out After Killing Wife

"WAKEFIELD, MA — A Wakefield man is set to be arraigned later today after authorities say he fatally shot his wife at their home.

"David McCall, 72, called 911 at about 8:15 a.m. to report a murder-suicide at his 493 Lowell St. home, said Cara O’Brien, a spokeswoman for Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone.

"McCall’s wife, Elaine, 69, was taken to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, O’Brien said. She added she was shot once in the chest.

"David McCall was arrested at his home, O’Brien said. He is scheduled to be arraigned on a murder charge in Malden District Court.

"O’Brien said officials are investigating whether the suspect sustained any injuries.

"Police have never been called to the couple’s home for any issues, O’Brien said."

From the Boston Herald...

Wife Survives Multiple Gunshot Wounds

"BAKERSFIELD, CA — A southwest Bakersfield man appears to have died by his own hand following a shooting that resulted in police shutting down a residential neighborhood for several hours.

"At 9:20 a.m. Saturday Bakersfield police responded to a report of a victim of a gunshot in the 4400 block of Woodlake Drive, police said in a news release.

"Investigation revealed the 40-year-old female victim had earlier made contact with her estranged husband at a residence in the normally quiet suburban neighborhood. The woman intended to drop off their children and during the exchange the husband shot her multiple times in the chest and leg, police said.

"The woman and her children made their way to the neighbor's house and the neighbor called the police. The victim was taken to a local hospital for what were described as non-life threatening injuries.

"The children were unharmed physically and were united with family members.

"Witnesses told police the man re-entered the house. The home and neighborhood were sealed off by officers, the release said, and several attempts were made to contact the suspect by telephone and through a public announcement system.

"He did not respond.

"After taking over the operation, the department's SWAT team eventually sent a remotely operated robot equipped with a secure video feed into the home and immediately located an obviously deceased male matching the suspects description.

"The body was sprawled on the living room floor with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The SWAT team then entered the home and found no other occupants.

"The investigation is continuing, police said.

"The official cause of death and identity of the man was not immediately available."

From bakersfield.com...

"Unclear Motive" In Double Murder/Suicide

"GLENDALE, AZ — Police found what they believe was the scene of a double murder-suicide Friday morning, a spokesman Glendale police said.

"It is unknown when John La Rocca Jr., 31, may have shot his step-mother Patrice La Rocca, 55, and his father, John La Rocca, 55, before taking his own life, said Officer Brent Coombs, Glendale Police Dept.

"The police were responding to a welfare call at the house on 5523 West Yucca Friday morning around 7 a.m. when they found the bodies of the family in the same room.

"The motive for the murder-suicide remains unclear, but police are not looking for any suspects.

"The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's office must still confirm the cause of death."

From azcentral.com...

"Good Guy" Kills Wife, Hangs Himself

"MILTON, NY — The Saratoga County Sheriffs Office James Barnes, 41, killed his wife Tonya Barnes, 40, and then commited suicide.

"Tonya is from Schuylerville, but James apparently lives around the corner and owns a septic business.

"Sources... say the call came in around 8:15 a.m. Friday morning and according to those sources police found James had hanged himself using his truck. Officials later found Tonya's body after thoroughly searching the property.

"Neighbors say James and Tonya had five daughters and two grandkids. They say James was a good guy and they were shocked to hear the news.

"The sheriff is not releasing any information until autopsy results are in."

From fox23news.com...

Three Dead At Assisted Living Facility

"BRIGHAM CITY, UT — A couple and their grown son are dead following an apparent murder-suicide at an assisted-living facility, police said.

"The three lived together at an apartment at Discovery Place, 360 W. 900 North, said Brigham City police Lt. Mike Nelsen. Just before noon, other residents reported hearing loud bangs and the sprinklers began spraying water, he said.

"When officers entered the apartment, they found the three dead of rifle wounds, he said.

"`It looks like a murder-suicide,` Nelsen said. Officers are investigating which of the three fired the gun. Police had not previously responded to any domestic violence calls at the apartment.

"The facility, a two-story brown-and-tan structure, has been open less than a year. The names, ages and previous hometowns of the three were not immediately released.

"Stephanie Weeks, an employee at Discovery Place, said the son was in his late 20s or early 30s, and his parents were in their mid-50s. The health of both the son and his mother had been deteriorating, she said.

"The son had used a wheelchair since suffering a traumatic brain injury while skiing several years ago, shortly before he was scheduled to leave on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she said.

"No one at the facility saw any signs of trouble, she said."

From The Salt Lake Tribune...

Kids In Room When Mom Shoots Dad, Self

"LA VERGNE, TN — The identities of those dead in what police say appears to be a murder-suicide have now been confirmed.

"Daniel Sim, 28, was likely asleep in the bedroom of his home on 1019 Betty Lou Lane Friday morning when his wife, Nith Sim, 27, shot him, police said.

"Police Chief Ted Boyd said Nith Sim likely took one gun to shoot her husband, but it jammed, prompting her to use another.

"Both guns were found on the floor of the couple's bedroom. Their two children were in the room with them when the shootings occurred, police said.

"Boyd said the children are unharmed, and the state Department of Children's Services is coming in to make arrangements for the children.

"Boyd said it is likely the children will return to New York with Daniel Sim's mother, who was visiting at the time."

From dnj.com...

Deadly Domestic Problem Claims Couple

"ASHVILLE, AL — A husband and wife are dead today after an apparent murder-suicide, authorities said Thursday.

"St. Clair County Coroner Dennis Russell identified the body of Brenda Crocker Potts, 55, of 32475 U.S. 231 in Ashville. Her husband, Kenneth Potts, 58, had apparently shot her.

"Russell pronounced Mrs. Potts dead on the scene at 8:20 p.m. Wednesday. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.

"St. Clair County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator Joe Sweatt said it appears the couple was experiencing a domestic problem when the situation turned deadly.

"`A neighbor hears screams and gunfire, and then called Central Dispatch,` Sweatt said. `The call came in at 7:05 p.m. The first officer on the scene was an Ashville police officer and he went to the neighbor’s house.`

"Sweatt said when the officer did get to the Potts residence, Mrs. Potts was lying on the front porch and her husband was sitting in the front porch swing with a gun in hand.

"`After Mr. Potts shot his wife, he called 911 and told them what he had done,` Sweatt said. `When more officers arrived, they tried to get him to put the gun down but he refused, turned it on himself and fired a shot.`

"Potts was flown by LifeSaver to University Hospital in Birmingham. Russell confirmed late Thursday that Potts died at the hospital at 12:31 p.m."

From The Daily Home...

Three Injured In Botched Double Murder/Suicide

"HOUMA, LA — A 57-year-old man opened fire inside a East Main Street bar and casino, wounding two men before shooting himself in the head. All three men are hospitalized in stable condition, though police have not released any names.

"The shots were fired shortly after 6:30 p.m. inside High Rollers Casino, 9730 E. Main St., which adjoins Nifty Fifties Cafe.

"Houma Police said the gunman confronted a group of people, including his ex-wife, inside the bar and returned with at least one handgun, shooting a 45-year-old man from Bourg in the stomach and a 40-year-old man from Chauvin in the shoulder and neck. Both men were taken to Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center. Police said both are stable, though the man with the stomach wound was described as being in critical condition.

"The gunman shot himself in the head and was taken to Terrebonne General Medical Center."

Source: dailycomet.com...

One Dead, One Injured, No Suspects

"WESTMINSTER, CO — On March 24, 2011 at about 12:40 A.M. the Westminster Police Department was notified of a suspicious vehicle in the 11000 block of Stuart Street. Officers who arrived on scene located a deceased person and an injured person inside the car. The injured person was transported to a local hospital and is in serious condition.

"The police department is still working to determine the relationship between the two people inside the car; however they are not currently looking for any additional suspects.

"The identities of those involved are not being released because this is an active investigation.

"Detectives are working to get a search warrant for the vehicle at this time."

From westword.com...

Murder In Kansas, Suicide In Missouri

"LENEXA, KS — Police today identified those killed in a murder and suicide Wednesday.

"Leslie Price, 47, of rural Jackson County, Kan., was found shot dead at a Lenexa construction site in the 8400 block of Lenexa Drive at about 6:30 p.m., Lenexa police said.

"Her estranged husband, James Price, 44, of Denison, Kan., was later found dead from a self inflicted gunshot in a construction trailer at 4900 East 87th St., Kansas City police reported.

"His body was found after a security guard saw a man in the trailer covered with blood with a rifle in front of him, they reported.

"The trailer was at the construction site for an 87th Street improvement project in Kansas City. The city issued a statement saying the body was that of a contractor working at the site. The project was temporarily halted while police investigated."

From The Kansas City Star...

"Horrible Outcome" To Tumultuous Relationship

"EIGHT MILE, AL — An Eight Mile man and a woman were found shot to death inside his Eight Mile home this morning in what appears to be a murder-suicide, according to Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

"Lori Myles, a spokeswoman with the Sheriff’s Office, said the man was shot once and the woman was shot twice. She said deputies are not ready to definitively classify it as a murder-suicide until after they complete their investigation.

"Officials identified the victims as John Woodrow Uptagraft and Patricia Evans.

"Baldwin County court records show that Uptagraft had pending rape and kidnapping charges, with Evans as the alleged victim. Myles said investigators believe she was his girlfriend.

"According to the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors were planning to present the case to a grand jury next week.

"In granting Uptagraft bail following his arrest, Baldwin County District Judge Jody Bishop ordered the defendant not to have any contact with Evans or her family. But Myles said the woman apparently went voluntarily to the Uptagraft’s home at 8445 Rosemary Road, where he also rain a repair shop called John Transmission.

"Sam Jovings, a lawyer who represented Uptagraft at a preliminary hearing in August said he was surprised to hear that his former client and Evans had died violently.

"`What a horrible outcome,` he said. `I hate to hear that.`"

From al.com...

Deadly Car Talk

"OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — An Edmond attorney was killed by her ex-husband, whom she had filed a protective order against, in a murder suicide Tuesday in Oklahoma City, police said.

"Freda J. Cross, 58, was found shot to death about 6:15 p.m. in a car parked in front of an empty convenience store at N Western Avenue and NW 26. Her ex-husband Michael J. McCreary, 61, also was found shot to death in a car parked next to hers. The cars were parked with drivers' side windows facing each other.

"Oklahoma City Police in a statement released this morning said investigators think Cross pulled into the parking lot first, to meet McCreary, who arrived a few minutes later. Each remained in their own cars. The two argued briefly before McCreary pulled out a pistol and shot Cross to death. McCreary then turned the gun on himself. There were no other people involved in the incident.

"The couple's divorce was final in January, according to online Oklahoma Supreme Court Network records."

From Tulsa World...

Gunfire On The Front Porch Leaves Two Dead

"PARK RAPIDS, MN — A family tragedy unfolded Tuesday night as a husband and wife died in a murder suicide in Park Rapids.

"Police said Gregory Duane Anderson, 45, shot his wife Dawn at their home on 311 Birch Briar Lane, then turned a high powered rifle on himself.

"Both bodies were found on the front porch.

"Police Chief Terry Eilers said the couple’s youngest son was in the home at the time and was threatened also.

"The young man ran for help screaming to the neighbors.

"`He heard shots and turned around to see his mother in the doorway,` Eilers said.

"Numerous officers converged on the scene; Eilers said there was some uncertainty as to how many people were at the residence and what types of weapons were involved.

"Police were first called shortly after 6 p.m.

"Sheriff Cory Aukes and the Chief Deputy took cover behind a van, unsure if the person with the high powered rifle was still shooting, Eilers said.

"The bodies were taken to St. Paul for autopsies.

"Greg Anderson was supposed to be staying in a halfway house in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Eilers said. Authorities are still trying to figure out how he was able to return to Park Rapids with a weapon."

Source: ParkRapidsEnterprise.com...

Teen Couple Dies In Murder/Suicide

"AMOR, MN — A 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy have both died as a result of a shooting. Police say it appears to be a murder-suicide, with one of the teens suffering a self-inflicted gun shot.

"The Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office said they received a call about shots fired at 30811 Twin Lake Road around 9:07 p.m. When they arrived, they found the two teens with gunshot wounds.

"The boy has been identified by Sanford Medical Center in Fargo as Dylan Cox. The girl, Tabitha Belmonte, was a sophomore at Perham-Dent High School.

"Belmonte was pronounced dead at the scene and Cox was airlifted to Sanford Hospital, where he later died.

"The Sheriff’s Office said that the incident is under investigation with help from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension."

From WCCO...

UPDATE:

08/30/2012 — Grandparents clash over custody of orphaned kid...
01/02/2013 — Custody battle finally over...

"Marital Problems" End With Murder/Suicide

"MT. AIRY, GA — The victims of Monday's murder suicide in Habersham County have been identified.

"Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire said the bodies of 57-year-old Lynn Nichols and 38-year-old William Virgil Nichols were discovered at their Mt. Airy home off Hazel Creek Road around 11 a.m. Monday.

"He said the time of death for the couple is thought to be in the early morning hours. Their bodies have been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for further investigation.

"Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell said Lynn Nichols shot her husband and then shot herself.

"`They had separated and they had been talking and he had come over,` Terrell said. `The family indicated they had been having marital problems for a while.`

"He said at least one of the victims was employed by Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

"`We called in the GBI to assist just because of some connection with law enforcement and EMS and things like that,` said Terrell.

"No other details were immediately available. "

From AccessNorthGa.com...

Bodies Found In Rural Alabama Home

"RAINSVILLE, AL — The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide after two bodies were found about noon today, according to a news release from Sheriff Jimmy Harris.

"The sheriff’s office received a call that a male and female were found dead inside their home on DeKalb County Road 657, off Horton Road south of Rainsville.

"The sheriff’s office and the Rainsville Police Department responded.

"The victims’ names are being withheld until family is notified. Their bodies have been sent to Huntsville for an autopsies by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

"Harris said the investigation is ongoing."

From The Gadsden Times...

Neighbors Refuse To Comment On Murder/Suicide

"ALTHA, FL — The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a murder-suicide in the Altha area, Sheriff David Tatum confirmed Sunday.

"Investigators learned of the incident about 2 p.m. Saturday, he said. The medical examiner’s office will perform an autopsy today, and investigators said they would release more details about the case.

"The incident happened at 23579 State 71, about 4 miles south of Altha. Tatum said two shots were fired in the incident but declined to release the names of the people involved. He described them as a formerly married couple but was unsure about how long the couple had been divorced.

"Law enforcement officers had no recollection of physical fights or other disturbances from the couple, Tatum added.

"It was sunny and quiet in this rural area of Calhoun County on Sunday afternoon.

"Neighbors were outside talking, but when a reporter tried to ask them about the situation, they refused to comment. Another neighbor said he didn’t know anything about what had happened. The clerk at a nearby gas station said she had just heard about the slayings but added that she knew nothing about the situation."

Source: newsherald.com...

UPDATE:

03/22/2011 — Police finally release details...

Neighbors Find Dead Couple

"PALM COAST, FL — The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says it's investigating an apparent murder-suicide at a home in northern Palm Coast.

"A news release says a couple was found dead in their home around 4:41 p.m.Sunday by neighbors.

"The sheriff's office identified the couple as 52-year-old David Sharp and 54-year-old Terry Sharp.

"Investigators say both suffered gunshot wounds and a shotgun was recovered at the scene.

"Deputies are attempting to determine when the incident occurred."

From firstcoastnews.com...

Body Found In RV

"ROBERTSVILLE, MO — A woman is dead and her husband in the hospital after what Franklin County authorities are investigating as a murder and failed suicide.

"Police responding to a call for a gunshot found Randy O. Price, 39, shot in the head with a 9 MM handgun at his home on Highway N in Robertsville. While there, police later discovered the body of his wife in an RV on the property.

"Tiffany Price, 36, had also been shot.

"Franklin County Sheriff Gary F. Toelke said there were seven children at the residence when they arrived—four children of the Prices, and three friends of the children.

"According to police, Tiffany Price had not been seen by her children since Thursday.
Randy Price, police said, told their children that she had left to be `gone for a few days.` Price's 14-year-old daughter sent text messages to her mother's phone, and received replies; however, phone calls were left unreturned.

"Sheriff's deputies searching the home on Saturday found Tiffany Price's cell phone inside the residence.

"Toelke said his department is investigating the incident as a murder-suicide gone awry. Randy Price was taken to St. John's Hospital in Creve Coeur. His condition is unknown, though Toelke said brain damage is a possibility.

"Police contacted the state family services division and surviving relatives to take care of the Prices' children."

From stltoday.com...

No Motive In Deaths Of Distant Relatives

"HARTSELLE, AL — The Morgan County Sheriff's office is investigating a murder/suicide between two relatives. The incident happened on 29 Perry Anders Road in Hartselle. It runs off of Barkley Bridge Road.

"According to Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin, neighbors called 911 this morning after hearing a gunshot. Deputies found a man dead in the front yard of the home. He appears to have died from a gunshot.

"Deputies then found another man dead in a nearby barn. They believe that man committed suicide after killing the first man.

"The two men have been identified as Charles Anders, 64 and Kenneth Anders, 61. The Sheriff says the two men are distant relatives. There is no word on a motive for the shooting. "

From WHNT.com...

Couple Had History of Domestic Violence

"SAN PABLO, CA —Police say a San Pablo man killed his longtime girlfriend with a rifle Thursday afternoon before turning the weapon on himself.

"Friends and family heard nothing from 47-year-old Cenobia Gonzales or 51-year-old Nilsson Steven for two days, before a relative went to their home on the 2900 block of Willow Avenue and saw something amiss through the window, San Pablo police Detective David Neece said.

"Police arrived about 2:40 p.m. and found both people dead from gunshot wounds. Police believe Steven fired the shots.

"The couple dated about 10 years, and had a history of domestic violence, police said."

From MercuryNews.com...

Man Found Dead After Shooting Ex-Girlfriend

"SOUTHFIELD, MI — The main suspect in the Southfield shooting that claimed a mother’s life was found dead in Royal Oak Friday from a self inflicted gunshot.

"Mitchell Kitchens was the primary suspect in a shooting that resulted in the death of his ex-girlfriend, Daphnae Ramey.

"The shooting occurred Thursday at 6:54 p.m. on the 27000 block of Marshall Street in Southfield.

"Police report Kitchens shot Ramey in the doorway of her home where she lived with her two children, a 12-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, both home when the shooting occurred.

"Kitchens’ motive is not known but Ramey’s family members say the two were arguing on the porch Thursday afternoon.

"Police found Kitchens near Vinsetta and 12 Mile Road in Royal Oak, just before 11:00 a.m. Friday."

From WXYZ.com...

Elderly Brother & Sister Found Dead

"CHULA, MO — The Livingston County Sheriff's Department is investigating a possible murder-suicide.

"At around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies were called to a home just outside of Chula after a neighbor spotted someone lying on the floor inside the home.

"Deputies think 83-year-old Charles Casebeer shot his sister, 84-year-old Margret Casebeer, before turning the gun on himself.

"Authorities believe the siblings had been dead for four days.

"They're now going through medical records to see if the siblings had any health issues that would explain what happened.

"Those who knew them say they were well liked in the community.

"Authorities don't believe anyone would have wanted to target the siblings."

Source: stjoechannel.com...

Bodies Found In Advanced State Of Decomposition

"OAK LAWN, IL — The cause of death of an elderly woman and her son discovered early Wednesday morning in the 4600 block of West 99th Place has been declared a `murder-suicide.`

"Oak Lawn police found the bodies of Lorraine Savage, 73, and her son, Steven Adams, 40, during a well-being check around 5:22 a.m. Both bodies were in an advanced stage of decomposition. A neighbor had called police when he hadn’t seen Savage in more than a week.

"According to an Oak Lawn police news release, Dr. Segovia of the medical examiner’s office reported that Savage had suffered defensive knife wounds on her hands. Savage died as a result of her throat being cut. She also suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound in the head.

"Savage’s son, Steven, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his chest. Police found a .380 semi-automatic handgun and at 12-inch kitchen knife in Savage’s kitchen. Police said Adams used both to kill his mother.

"Police said it has been reported to them that Adams suffered from mental health issues, which may have played a factor in the murder-suicide."

From OakLawnPatch...

Estranged Couple Found Dead In Hallway

"ORLANDO, FL — Deputies believe a deadly shooting in south Orange County is a murder-suicide.

"According to Orange County deputies, a man and woman in their mid-30s were found dead Wednesday morning on 515 Villa Del Sol Circle, southeast of Orlando International Airport.

"The victims were found in the hallway just outside the apartments.

"Deputies said the victims were an estranged husband and wife.

"... a neighbor... heard two gunshots while walking her daughter to the bus stop.

"`It's scary. I'm still shaky. It's very scary, but this is a good neighborhood,` said neighbor Dee Smith. `This ain't never happened here before, I've been here five years.`

"The victims' identities have not been released.

"Deputies are continuing their investigation."

From cfnews13.com...

Mom, 2 Kids Dead In Triple Murder/Suicide

"LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC — Authorities have identified the man, woman and children involved in an apparent murder-suicide that has shocked a Lexington County community.

"Lexington County Coroner Harry O. Harmon said 27-year-old Amanda Hartley Peake and her two children, Cameron, 9, and Sarah, 6, died after being shot by Peake's estranged boyfriend, Chancey Foy Smith, 32, of Rabon Road in Lexington.

"Harman said it appears that Smith shot and killed Peake and her two children Tuesday night in her home on 149 Farm Chase Drive in the Red Bank area of Lexington County and then turned the gun on himself.

"Lexington County Sheriff's Major John Allard said Peake, her daughter, Sarah, and Smith died at the scene and Peake's son, Cameron, died on the way to the hospital.

"Deputies have not released the motive behind the shooting and have not determined if there were any previous reports of domestic violence between the couple.

"Allard said Smith was not the children's biological father.

"According to Amanda Peake's MySpace page, the children's biological father, Matthew Peake, died in a fire in 2007. Matthew Peake was a Fairfield County deputy and the two were married for 5 years before his death.

"Amanda Peake is a 2001 graduate of Pelion High School, according to her MySpace page.

"Autopsies will be performed to determine exact cause of death, Harman said.

"The Lexington County Sheriff's Department and the Lexington County Coroner's Office continues to investigate."

From WISTV.com...

BONUS:

The victim's Facebook page...

"Normal Family" Found Dead

"WINLOCK, WA — A mother, father and son were found dead in a home here Tuesday night in an apparent double murder-suicide.

"Detectives were called to a home in the 300 block of Frost Road at 9:15 p.m. after someone reported three people were dead inside.

"Upon arrival, they found the bodies of a 65-year-old woman, her 57-year-old husband and 18-year-old son, all dead from gunshot wounds.

"There were no signs of forced entry, leading detectives to investigate the incident as a double murder-suicide, but they have not determined who fired the shots. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

"Police say three family dogs and a family cat were also found dead inside the home.

"Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield says they have no idea at this time what the motive was. He says they were a `normal family` with no history with law enforcement with the family, no domestic violence calls, and no drug issues. Relatives also said they have no clue what might have prompted the shooting, Mansfield said.

"Relatives told detectives they hadn't heard from the family since Sunday night. On Tuesday, a family member went to check on them and found the scene.

"The victims' names have not been released, but Mansfield says the family runs a small trucking company."

From KATU.com...

It's A Jeep Thing

"LEHI, UT — A woman is dead and a man was flown to the hospital in 'extreme critical' condition after a double shooting Tuesday night.

"Police received a call shortly before 9 p.m. about an argument and gunshots heard from a residence located at 1891 S. 575 West. When police arrived, they found a woman dead from a gunshot wound to the head, sitting in the driver's side of a Jeep in the driveway.

"Police say they found the woman's husband sitting in the passenger side of the vehicle with a gunshot to the head, but alive.

"The man, who police say is 27 years old, was flown to a local hospital and is in extreme critical condition.

"When asked about the possibility of a murder-suicide, Lehi Police Lt. Darren Paul said, `It's still to early to say exactly what it is.`

"Police say the woman who reported the gunshots is the man's sister. Investigators think the man had been staying at the house, but are unsure if he is the owner."

From KSL.com...

Death By Cyanide

"BRONX, NY — The NYPD says a Bronx couple has died of cyanide poisoning following an ongoing domestic dispute.

"Authorities said 35-year-old Erlendy Flores died Tuesday, a day after 41-year-old

"Flavio Godoy stuck a syringe in her arm while she was bent over packing her clothes.

"Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Godoy then ingested the same liquid cyanide from a cup and died.

"Flores was initially hospitalized in a coma in critical condition, but died several hours later.

"Kelly said the couple had a history of domestic violence disputes.

"The couple had argued Sunday, and Flores spent the night at her sister’s apartment in the same Bronx building.

"Police said the incident occurred when she returned to her apartment the next day to collect her things while her brother waited outside.

"An investigating is still ongoing to determine how Godoy was able to get the poison."

From WCBS...

Pair Found Dead On Couch

"SHARON, SC — The York County Sheriff's Office is investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide, after concerned employees discovered the bodies of their deceased co-worker and her boyfriend.

"Deputies were called to the home on 2424 Creekside Drive in the town of Sharon on Monday morning at 9:27 a.m. When deputies arrived, they found the bodies of 53-year-old Linda Anne Dixon and 45-year-old Jeffrey Duane Goldsmith with gunshot wounds to their heads.

"According to a Sheriff's report, Goldsmith and Dixon were both seated on a couch and had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Early indications are that Goldsmith shot and killed Dixon prior to taking his own life, deputies say. Deputies say that Goldsmith and Dixon, who were boyfriend and girlfriend, had been in a relationship for approximately seven years.

"The investigation began after deputies say Linda Dixon had not reported to work at Terminex in Rock Hill and concerned co-workers attempted to check on her at the residence. The co-workers told deputies that it was unusual for Dixon not to be at work, so they went to her home.

"The co-workers told deputies that they looked into her home through a side window after knocking on the front door and noticed two bodies lying on a couch. Deputies say Goldsmith was holding a handgun when he was found."

From WBTV.com...

Three Survive Botched Murder/Suicide

"FAYETTEVILLE, NC — A Fayetteville man accused of shooting three people at an after-hours nightclub early Sunday has committed suicide, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office announced Monday night.

"Edward Gerald Fisher, 32, shot himself in the head, authorities said. His body was found lying near a cemetery off Tabor Church Road around 9:15 p.m. Monday.

"Detectives obtained warrants for Edwards’ arrest Monday afternoon on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and assault with a deadly weapon.

"He was accused of shooting three people at 409 John B. Carter Road after a fight at the party.

"The victims were Mariella Nicole Rivas, 20, David Wayne Robinson, 35, and Xavier Kaynon Whitted, 21, all of Fayetteville.

"All three were in serious condition at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center on Monday night.

"`It’s unclear ... why the victims were found in a vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds, in another location other than where the party was taking place,` sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Smith said in a statement.

"Edwards’ body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Chapel Hill for an autopsy."

From WRAL.com...

Gun Store Fire Linked To Triple Murder/Suicide

"TARPON SPRINGS, FL — An explosive fire at a gun store may be linked with an apparent murder-suicide that took four lives.

"Flames were erupting from a strip mall along S. Pinellas Ave. when Tarpon Springs firefighters arrived just after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

"For at least an hour and a half, crews couldn't approach the building to fight the fire. Ammunition stored inside one of the stores—a gun shop—was exploding, sometimes sending bullets rocketing out of the fire.

"After keeping a safe distance more than a football field away, firefighters eventually crept closer and sent water from their trucks into a high arc down onto the building.

"By the time the flames were out, only the gutted shells remained of the strip mall's three stores: Tony's Diner, Jewelry & Watches Galore, and Silver Bullet Guns.

"Police say a person was spotted leaving the scene of that fire shortly before flames were seen.

"About 20 minutes after that fire was first reported, Tarpon Springs police responded to a motion detector alarm at a house about two miles away.

"Inside that home on 1407 Ironworks Lane, officers found the bodies of four people.

"Those people appear to have been killed in a murder-suicide, according to what police say is their preliminary investigation. The Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office is working to confirm that conclusion.

"Officers asked a neighbor to care for two dogs that wouldn't leave the side of their owner's body, the neighbor said.

"The three apparent murder victims and one person who killed him- or herself all appear to be related or knew each other, police said.

"There is a `possible connection` between the fire and the deaths that detectives are investigating, Tarpon Springs Police Capt. Jeff Young said.

"Neighbors gave more detail, saying the people who own the house where the bodies were found also own the burned gun store, Silver Bullet Guns."

From WTSP.com...

Homeless Man Is Shooter In Botched Murder/Suicide

"OAK GROVE, VA — A truck driver committed suicide Friday after shooting a Westmoreland County farm employee, Sheriff C.O. Balderson said yesterday.

"Balderson said the truck driver, Robert Dale Haass, 47, of no fixed address, shot John Anthony Ring, 52, of King George County about 4 p.m. The shooting occurred at Parker Farms, a large produce operation in Oak Grove, where Ring worked in the shipping department.

"Balderson said Haass shot Ring in the back with No. 4 buckshot. Haass then drove his vehicle to the back of the building and shot himself in the head, Balderson said.

"The sheriff said he did not know what motivated the shootings.

"Haass, who apparently lived in his truck, died Friday night at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Balderson said.

"Ring was taken to Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, where he was listed in stable condition yesterday."

From fredricksburg.com...

Marijuana Plants Survive Murder/Suicide

"BIRMINGHAM, AL — Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a murder suicide in an East Jefferson County home.

"Sheriff's Deputies were called Sunday afternoon to a home on 2816 Arrowhead Drive NE. When they arrived, they found 30-year-old Jennifer and her husband, 33-year-old Joshua Whitworth shot to death.

"The father of Joshua Whitworth forced his way into the home after not being able to get in contact with his son since Friday and discovered both bodies.

"Deputies say Joshua shot his wife Jennifer before turning the gun on himself. Narcotics deputies were also called to the scene to remove what appeared to be several marijuana plants from the home."

From WBRC...

Mom Survives Botched Murder/Suicide

"SAN LEANDRO, CA — A San Leandro woman has been arrested for allegedly killing her 8-year-old daughter in what appears to have been a botched murder-suicide, according to police.

"At about 1 p.m. Friday, police responded to the 1300 block of Leonard Drive after being contacted by a woman who was a care provider for the little girl. The girl suffered from physical and mental disabilities, police said.

"The woman told officers that she found the mother and child inside a car in the home's garage with a running motor and a hose leading from the tail pipe to the interior, according to police.

"The mother was conscious when the care provider found her, but the girl was not, police said.

"Alameda County fire officials transported mother and child to local hospitals. Subsequently, the girl was pronounced dead by medical staff.

"The mother, 53-year-old Christel Johnson, is expected to survive, police said.
This case is being actively investigated as the third homicide in San Leandro this year, according to police."

From MercuryNews.com...

Police Find Elderly Couple Dead

"BIRMINGHAM, AL — Birmingham police found the bodies of two people at a Redmont neighborhood house this morning.

"Sgt. Otis Luke, of the Birmingham Police Department's South Precinct, said that officers were called to a house on Altamont Road at about 11 a.m. today.

"The daughter of the couple inside the house had called to say she was having trouble getting in touch with her mother, Luke said. Her mother was scheduled to go on a trip, he said.

"Birmingham firefighters had to force their way into the house at 3401 Altamont Road.

"Luke said police found two people dead inside the house. Both people had been shot, he said.

"It appeared to be a murder-suicide, but homicide investigators and the Jefferson County Coroner's have not confirmed that, Luke said.

"According to records and neighbors, William Otis MacMahon, 83, and 77-year-old Lois A. MacMahon lived at the house. Luke did not identify the victims, but confirmed that it was the MacMahons' house.

"Neighbors described the MacMahons as a nice couple.

"`They're just the finest people,` said neighbor Mike Anderson. `It's just a shame to hear that.`

"The MacMahons had lived in the house for at least three decades, Anderson and his wife said.

"Ramie Anderson said that Mrs. MacMahon had baked them cookies and brought them over to their house between Christmas and New Years. `It's devastating to the community ... It's a tragedy,` she said."

From al.com...

Police Take Gun From Cold, Dead Hand

"NASHVILLE, TN — Metro police said a woman was killed at a South Nashville apartment Saturday night, in what appeared to be a case of murder-suicide.

"According to investigators, Sherica Gray was shot at about 9 p.m. at the Whispering Oaks Apartments on Tanglewood Court.

"When officers arrived, they said they found Gray's boyfriend, Boris Arapovic, 20, inside the apartment with a gunshot wound to his head.

"Police said a pistol was still in Arapovic's hand.

"Paramedics rushed Arapovic to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

"Witnesses told police that the couple had been arguing in the minutes before the gunfire.

"Neighbors were shocked to get the news about the shooting Sunday."

From WSMV.com...

Suspicious Deaths Were Murder/Suicide

"TUCSON, AZ — Tucson police were at the scene Saturday of two suspicious deaths in downtown Tucson. On Saturday night, they confirmed that both died as a result of a murder suicide.

"Sgt. Matt Ronstadt said the bodies of a man and a woman were found inside a home in the 100 block of South Melrose, south of Congress Street and west of Grande Avenue, Saturday morning.

"He did not identify the individuals or say how they died.

"Ronstadt said Tucson police were called to the home on Wednesday to do a welfare check after they were contacted by Los Angeles police looking for a woman reported missing and who was believed to be at that address.

"Tucson police were unable to `establish contact with anyone inside the residence," he said, and "there was no evidence of foul play.`

"Tucson police advised LAPD that they were unable to contact anyone at the home.

"On Saturday, the property's landlord called police because the occupants hadn't been seen in several days.

"Police found the two bodies inside the property.

"The bodies will undergo autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.

"Police are continuing their investigation and ask that anyone with information call 911."

From KGUN9.com...

Death At The Big Boy

"MIDDLETOWN, OH — Two people are dead after a murder-suicide outside a popular restaurant in Middletown.

"A call came into dispatch around 12:45 Saturday afternoon, reporting that two people were shot outside of the Frish's Big Boy restaurant located in the 3500 block of South Dixie Highway near the Town Mall.

"Police say 55-year-old Ernie Sexton was sitting in the parking lot in his pickup truck, waiting to pick up his girlfriend who works at Frish's.

"Police say 26-year-old James Riley pulled up in a car and blocked the truck in.

"Police say Riley got a shotgun out of the trunk of his car, then fired several shots into the truck, killing Sexton.

"Police say Riley then killed himself. His body was found on the pavement outside the pickup truck.

"... Sexton's girlfriend is Riley's ex-wife.

"The investigation now continues."

From WKRC...

Robot Finds Bodies Of Dead Couple

"OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Oklahoma City police are investigating a possible murder-suicide at a home on Westview Drive.

"Police said they received a 911 call from a woman at the home who said her husband was shooting at her. Officers said the call was dropped while the woman was talking to dispatchers.

"Capt. Patrick Stewart said the call was made from a home near the intersection of Southwest Third Street and Westview Drive.

"The SWAT team was called to the scene and they sent in a robot into the home, and found the couple dead.

"No other details were provided."

From KOCO.com...

Bodies Found After House Fire

"BROWNSBORO, TX — The Henderson County Sheriff's Office has ruled the deaths in the Brownsboro house fire on Wednesday, as a murder/suicide.

"After investigation and autopsies from the Southwest Medical Examiner's office, the cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds for both victims.

"According to officials, the male subject shot and killed the female victim, then set the house on fire, went into a closet and shot himself.

"Authorities believe the female is Cheryl Timmerman, 42, and the male to be Robbie Timmerman, 47, although positive identification has not been made.

"Dental records have been obtained, and authorities expect a positive ID early next week."

From KLTV.com...

"There Is No Suspect On The Loose"

"SPRINGFIELD, FL — Three people were found dead this morning in a house in Springfield in what officials believe is a double murder-suicide.

"Springfield police said the people found dead at 4008 E. 14th St. were a husband and wife and their daughter. The names and ages of the deceased were not released, pending notification of next of kin.

"Police said authorities were called this morning by a neighbor, who said she had not seen the family outside their house in several days, which was unusual. Police went to the home at 9:50 a.m. today to check on the family’s welfare and discovered the bodies.

"Investigators said there is no suspect on the loose.

"Officials at the scene said one victim apparently killed the other two victims before taking their own life. Officers said the deaths happened sometime in the past few days.

"The family had live in the house for more than 20 years, police said.

"Springfield Police and the Medical Examiner’s Office are at the scene."

Source: NewsHerald.com...

Death In A Red Corvette

"CHATSWORTH, GA — The deaths of a Ramhurst man and his son have been ruled a “murder-suicide” by authorities after the state crime lab determined the cause of death as carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Murray County Sheriff Howard Ensley said investigators found a hose connected to the exhaust pipe that was run into the interior of the 1984 Corvette where he discovered the bodies of David Wayne Graham, 39, and his son, Easton Blayde Graham, 3, early Tuesday morning.

"Ensley said Graham’s mother reported her son had not dropped his son off at her house on Tuesday, but when she went to the home on 2613 Old Highway 411 South she did not look into the Corvette, which was parked away from the house next to an outbuilding.

"Murray County Deputy Coroner Alan Robbins, who also investigated the scene, said the state crime lab released the cause of death after examining the Grahams’ bodies."

From DALTONnow.com...

Shooter Checks Out At Walmart

"GRAND BLANC TWP, MI — Thomas Rothley, who police were searching for as a person of interest in the case of his father's homicide, killed himself in the parking lot of a Wal Mart at about 4:16 p.m., according to police.

"Flint Township police found Joseph Rothley, 47, shot to death inside his home at 10:18 a.m. this morning.

"Thomas Rothley, 23, lived in the home with his father. Police were searching for a black Dodge Ram truck that Rothley was driving.

"`Investigators received a tip that the vehicle... was parked near the Walmart Store located at 6170 S. Saginaw Street in Grand Blanc Township,` Flint Township Police Chief George Sippert said in a news release. `As officers approached the vehicle at approximately 4 p.m., Thomas Rothley, took his own life.`

"Police said the investigation continues."

From mlive.com...

"That Kind Of Messed My Day Up"

"TALLAHASSEE, FL — A domestic dispute ends in gunfire in Tallahassee. Both the shooter and his victim are now dead.

"Lynn Dyson says a man shot at her brother as he was taking the trash out.

"`I guess because he was outside.` She said.

"Her brother ran inside their apartment unharmed. But, it was not the last shot fired.

"Dyson said, `We heard another shot and we went to the windows and he was standing over the lady. He shot her; he said something else to her; he shot her again; and then he put the pistol to his head and shot himself—just shot himself—standing right there.`

"Tallahassee Police say 45-year-old Donald Wigglesworth and 37-year-old Theresa Sullivan were still alive when they arrived at Willow Bend Apartments on Blair Stone Road just before 10:00 Monday morning.

"It all happened in the parking lot in front of Building 1401.

"Shema Richet lives at Willow Bend Apartments. She said, `When you have a neighborhood with children; you have your family there. It is a little bit scary just to know something like that so close to home.`

"Lynn Dyson says just before the shooting, Wigglesworth had gotten out of a black pick-up truck and Sullivan was trying to get into her jeep.

"`The lady was screaming to call the police.` Said, Dyson.

"Police say Sullivan and Wigglesworth had been dating off and on for the past three years.

"Dyson said, `When relationships go bad they need to learn to start praying because this is too much crime with hate and pain. Apparently, he did that out of hurt because he did himself as well after he made sure he had shot her a couple of times. To see it done, that kind of messed my day up.`

"The couple died after being transported to the hospital.

"Witnesses say Sullivan lived at the Willow Bend Apartments with her teenaged daughter.

"An autopsy is expected to be performed Tuesday."

From WCTV.tv...

Elderly Couple, Dog Found Dead

"SMITHTON, IL — A southwestern Illinois coroner says an elderly man shot his ailing wife to death before killing their dog and then himself in an apparent murder-suicide.

"St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone tells the Belleville News-Democrat the bodies of 69-year-old Donald Stephenson and 68-year-old Carol Stephenson were found Friday night in a bed in their home in Smithton. Stone estimated they died earlier in the week.

"The couple's dog was found dead on the living room floor.

"Stone called the murder-suicide `heartbreaking` and `self-evident,` requiring no autopsies.

"Funeral services for the couple are pending."

From WICS.com...

Double Murder/Suicide In Rural Louisiana

"PALMETTO, LA — The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office has released details about a Sunday incident that left three people dead.

"The sheriff’s office received a report of a homicide Sunday in the 600 block of Joseph Road in Palmetto. When officers arrived, they found two women dead inside a vehicle. Each victim appeared to have multiple gunshot wounds.

"The women were identified as Burnella McKinght Rideau, 43, of Palmetto, and Jeannette Oliney, 47, of Opelousas.

"A man was found outside the vehicle with a single gunshot wound to the head. He was identified as Ransome Rideau, 45, of Palmetto.

"An investigation indicated that Ransome Rideau got into an altercation with his wife, Burnella Rideau. Ransome Rideau then allegedly fired multiple shots into the vehicle occupied by the two women. Several shots hit both women, police said.

"Ransome Rideau then left the home and went to the 100 block of Veazie Street in Palmetto, where police said he confronted Hertley Andrus. Ransome Rideau then got into a physical altercation with Andrus. Andrus was able to wrestle the handgun away from Ransome Rideau.

"During the altercation, the gun went off, striking Rideau in the hand. Rideau then fled back to the initial scene. Once there, police said Ransome Rideau used a .12-gauge shotgun to shoot himself in the head, resulting in his own death."

From theadvertiser.com...

Bodies Found After Fire

"FOSTER, OK — Investigators believe a volunteer firefighter killed his two twin children, then set his home on fire and killed himself.

"According to Sheriff Larry Rhodes his deputies went to the home because of a suicide threat call received on Saturday.

"`It's hard on communities like this,` Rhodes said. `Not only to mention, many of the first responders here today knew the residents and when they arrived at the scene, it's tough on them not to do their job as they always do, but it's emotional on them just to try and deal with it.`

"When deputies arrived, they found the home on fire, which sparked a large brush fire. After two hours the fire was out, three bodies were found, a man and two five-year-old twins.

"The firefighters name has not been released, but his colleagues said he was a volunteer firefighter for about eight years."

From KPLCTV.com...

Six Shots, Two Dead

"MANTUA, NJ — A man shot his ex-wife's boyfriend to death before killing himself in broad daylight Sunday afternoon at Mantua's Villages of Berkley development, authorities said.

"Stephen V. Newcomb, 45, was shot at 3:42 p.m. at the foot of a stairway of the upper-level condominium he shared with his assailant's former wife, in the 1000 block of Tristram Circle, said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton.

"He was shot at five times by Michael Targett, 52, whose last known address was Sicklerville, Dalton said.

"Targett then walked to his pickup truck, which was parked near the building, and got inside for a short time before walking approximately 25 yards to a small wooded area, where he shot himself in the head, Dalton said.

"As he walked into the woods, Targett dumped used and unused rounds from his .357-caliber Magnum handgun to the ground. He then reloaded and shot himself, Dalton said.

"Several residents were witnesses to the shootings and called 911.

"Targett and Newcomb were pronounced dead at the scene. Targett died of a gunshot wound to the head. Dalton declined to say where Newcomb was shot.

"Dalton also declined to say whether Targett was waiting for his victim.

"Newcomb's girlfriend, whom Dalton declined to identify, was not home at the time of the shooting. Dalton said police have had prior contact with the Targetts."

Source: CourierPostOnline.com...

Man Kills Niece, Nephew Before Shooting Himself

"NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans Police Department said it is investigating a murder-suicide incident that occurred in the 2100 block of Pauger Street involving a man and two children.

"Officers said they responded to a call about a shooting and discovered the reporting person to be hysterically crying as she advised the officers that people were shot inside the house.

"According to investigators, a 9-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl were found lying on a sofa with gunshot wounds to the head. Police said they also found a 22-year-old man lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head.

"Emergency medical technicians arrived at the scene and pronounced the 9-year-old boy and 22-year-old man dead. The 10-year-old girl was transported to an area hospital where she later died.

"Officers said the woman who called 911 was the two children's mother and the man's brother.

"Police said a preliminary investigation revealed the man was temporarily residing at the residence and suffered from schizophrenia. Investigators said he had stopped taking his medication for an unknown period of time and had been awake for several days.

"Officers said the man had also been drinking and indicated that he was going to sleep. With no provocation, the man fatally shot his niece and nephew while they were asleep, then himself, detectives said.

"Investigators recovered two handguns from the man's possession.

"The man had prior arrests for domestic violence, curfew violations, criminal damage, criminal trespassing and arson, police said.

"Investigators said they are still gathering evidence and information to determine a motive."

From WDSU.com...

...And They All Lived Happily Ever After

"CHICKASHA, OK — A lengthy court battle over child visitation rights between a divorced couple ended Wednesday when the mother attempted to kill herself and children at a Chickasha hotel.

"Rebecca Lynn Koehler, 30, Chickasha, left a suicide note according to police records and had told her nine-year-old and six-year-old children that if they ingested the pills she was giving them then `the three of them would be together forever.`

"The three survived the possible drug overdose and Koehler was charged Friday in Grady County District Court with one count of felony child abuse by injury. A court minute noted that Koehler’s initial appearance in court was suspended until she had an attorney present.

"Emergency temporary custody of the children was granted Thursday to their father, Warren Koehler. Court records show that all parties are ordered to appear for a show cause hearing on Wednesday, March 9.

"Documents show that the couple petitioned the court in January 2006 for divorce, when the children were four- and one-year-old, and a prolonged battle in the court began over visitation rights."

From The Express-Star...

Death In The Afternoon

"DANVILLE, VA — Danville Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide in the 100 block of Charles Towne Drive.

"Police officers were called to the home at 7:32 p.m. Friday on a report that a man and a woman were found dead.

"`Preliminary findings suggest that sometime this afternoon the male resident of the home shot his wife and then shot himself,` a police department news release said. Police have identified the couple as Charles Edward Ricketts, 77, and Rose Harper Ricketts, 74, according to the news release.

"The police investigation is continuing."

From godanriver.com...

Deceased Adults Found At Residence

"OILDALE, CA — Two people are dead in Oildale, victims of a suspected murder suicide in the 700 block of Monache Drive.

"The Kern County Sheriff's Department said it was called to the scene just before noon Friday, where deputies found a man and a woman inside a house with gunshot wounds and a handgun close by.

"`Our deputies arrived, made entry into the residence, and located two deceased adults,` said Senior Deputy Michael Whorf. `One adult male, one adult female, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.`

"Authorities say they found a handgun close to the victims, indicating it was likely a murder-suicide.

"The Sheriff's Department says it received no reports of gunfire Thursday night or Friday morning. The victims have not been identified, but neighbors say it was a man in his 50's and a woman in her 20's.

"`I think it is pretty crazy,` said neighbor Edward Bayne. `I wouldn't think of anything crazy like that happening around here.`

"`It's really scary that these things happen,` said neighbor Katie Hatfield. `You know I don't know what happened or how it happened, or I really don't even know why.`

"Deputies say a child was outside the house when they arrived. Neighbors said the couple had a 3-year-old child, but the Sheriff's Department would not say if that was the child they found."

From KGET.com...

Killer Dies In Hospital After Double Murder/Suicide, Fire

"BRONX, NY — A man who was critically injured in a Bronx apartment fire Wednesday, after allegedly killing his baby daughter and her mother and committing arson, has died.

"Police say Vicente Cordero, 34, was pronounced dead at Westchester Medical Center.

"Earlier in the day, he was charged with two counts of murder, arson, reckless endangerment and second-degree assault.

"Police say Cordero repeatedly stabbed Kety Sanchez, 30, during a dispute early Wednesday morning in their apartment on the fifth floor of a six-story building at 2275 Morris Avenue in Fordham Heights. Investigators say the two were romantically linked.

"Then, just before 8 a.m., police say Cordero set a fire in the apartment that killed Keiry Cordero, his one-year-old daughter with Sanchez.

"When police arrived about a half hour later, they found the woman and child lying unconscious in the apartment's bedroom.

"The baby was declared dead on the scene and Sanchez, who was stabbed and severely burned, was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and pronounced dead.

"Vicente Cordero was found in the apartment's living room, and was later revived at the scene, according to police.

"Both the fire chief and City Councilman Fernando Cabrera said a gas can was found in the apartment, which may have contributed to the ferocity of the fire."

From NY1.com...

Mom Drowns Daughter, Drinks Paint Thinner

"SOMERVILLE, NJ — Authorities have concluded that the deaths of a woman and her 4-year-old daughter in an upscale New Jersey town were a murder-suicide.

"Autopsy results indicate Patricia Graham-Hawthorne drowned her daughter, Allison, in a bathtub in their Bernardsville home on Feb. 24.

"Somerset County Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano says preliminary autopsy results indicate the 45-year-old then took her own life by ingesting paint thinner and drowning.

"Her husband found the bodies."

From The Republic...