Another Killer Mom Survives Botched Suicide

"CHICAGO, IL — A baby boy was killed and his mother was critically wounded, in a stabbing police believe was a murder/suicide attempt.

"Police said the boy and his mother were found stabbed in a room at the Diplomat Motel in the 5200 block of North Lincoln Avenue, around 10:30 a.m.

"The boy, whose exact age was not immediately available, was pronounced dead. The mother was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious to critical condition.

"Police suspect the mother stabbed her baby, then herself."

From CBS Chicago...

Son Dies, Mom Survives Botched Murder/Suicide

"STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO — The Routt County Sheriff's Office says a 9-year-old boy was shot and killed by his mother early Wednesday morning. The mother, 45-year-old Lisa Lesyshen, then shot herself but survived the attempt on her life.

"The victim has been identified as Asher Lesyshen-Kirlan.

"A report of a suicide came into the Routt County Sheriff's Office around 3 a.m. When deputies arrived at the home near Stagecoach State Park, Asher's father, Michael Kirlan, was outside and told them his son was shot and his wife was upstairs with a gun.

"Deputies found 9-year-old Asher dead inside the home. Lisa Lesyshen was found unconscious and transported to the Yampa Valley Medical Center for treatment for a single gunshot wound.

"A Routt County news release did not specify what led up to the shooting. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident.

"Asher was active in multiple community youth programs. He enjoyed skiing and mountain bikes.

"Asher was a third-grader at Soda Creek Elementary School. A crisis management team met with students' parents Wednesday."

From 9news.com...

Police Find Bodies, Suspect Domestic Violence

"SOLDOTNA, AK — An elderly man and woman found dead in an apparent murder suicide Tuesday evening in Soldotna have been identified.

"On Wednesday, Alaska State Troopers identified the deceased as 69-year-old Earl Moore and 66-year-old Lynda Moore, both of Soldotna.

"According to the Associated Press, AST officials have identified the Moores as a recently divorced couple, leading investigators to believe the homicide/suicide may have been motivated by domestic violence.

"Around 5:22 p.m. Tuesday, AST began investigating two people found dead near one of the person’s home in the Skyline neighborhood.

"Troopers wrote, `initial indications are that these persons are known to one another, and this event appears to possibly be a domestic violence homicide, immediately followed by a suicide.`

"The Alaska Bureau of Investigation will continue the investigation. Next of kin have been notified."

From KTUU.com...

Deputies Find Bodies During Welfare Check

"LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A husband and wife were found dead Monday night, May 27, in a suspected murder/suicide at a home in Lake Elsinore, authorities said.

"Riverside County sheriff’s officials identified Dannie Weekes, 57, as the suspect and Doreen Weekes, 55, as the victim.

"Deputies were asked to check on the residents of a home in the 29000 block of Third Street about 10:30 p.m., a sheriff’s new release said. Through a window of the house, they could see Dannie Weekes, who appeared to be dead.

"When they went inside, they found Doreen Weekes dead as well.

"Both appeared to have been shot, sheriff’s officials said.

"Sheriff’s officials declined to say how long they believe the couple had been dead."

From The Press-Enterprise...

Two Dead In Suicide Crash

"GRAHAM, WA — Two people were killed in a high-speed crash between a Ford Mustang and a pickup truck on a rural highway near Graham that has now been ruled a murder/suicide.

"Police responded to the scene, in the 19500 block of the Orting Kapowsin Highway, at about 10:15 Monday after receiving a report of a serious crash.

"The drivers of both vehicles were found dead at the accident scene. There were no passengers.

"A preliminary investigation found that the pickup was heading west on the highway when it was struck head-on by the Mustang being driven at more than 100 mph.

"The pickup driver was a 50-year-old man. The driver of the Mustang was a 19-year-old man, said sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer. Their names were not immediately available.

"When deputies went to notify the 19-year-old's next of kin about the accident, they discovered that he had left a suicide note saying that he planned to drive his car into a power pole at 120 mph. Instead, he hit the pickup, killing the other driver instantly.

"The family of the 19-year-old later released a statement saying, `Our family is devastated by the loss of our son. Our hearts go out to the family of the man who was killed in this tragic accident. Words cannot express our sadness. We do not believe it was our son’s intent to harm anyone.`"

From KOMOnews.com...

Boyfriend Escapes Love Triangle Shooting With A Bullet In The Butt

"HILLSBORO, OR — Two people were shot and killed Monday in a murder-suicide, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and a third person was shot in the buttocks.

"According to sheriff's spokesman Dave Thompson, 61-year-old Kenneth Van Patten killed his wife 56-year-old Melinda Van Patten and then himself.

"The man who was shot in the buttocks was identified as 56-year-old Glen Hamilton. He is expected to survive. He ran next door and told the neighbor to call 911, Thompson said.

"The shooting happened at about 6:30 p.m. in the 5300 block of Southwest River Road.

"Thompson said all three people knew each other and there is no shooter on the loose.

"According to neighbors, the Van Pattens were going through a divorce and Hamilton, Melinda's boyfriend, was living with them.

"Neighbors had heard some fighting coming from the home before but Monday afternoon they heard gunshots and then saw the husband chasing the boyfriend across the yard with a gun, shooting him once in the buttocks.

"They later learned the husband shot his wife inside their home moments before chasing Hamilton outside.

"`Then I heard one shot, and then I heard, 'Help!'` said Jared Whitney. `So I turned and saw one guy hopping over the fence, but he wasn't jumping, he was kind of tumbling, and then I knew it was the real deal.`

"Nick Amrein said after the husband shot the boyfriend, he went back inside the house and killed himself.

"But Amrein, who's known the couple for most of his life, said he had no idea the husband had shot his wife until deputies arrived and found her body inside.

"Neighbors said the couple was in their 50s and had been together since high school."

From KATU.com...

Two Dead, One Critical, Three Kids Unhurt

"OROSI, CA — An Orosi man killed one daughter and critically wounded another daughter before taking his own life early Monday morning, the Tulare County Sheriff's Department said.

"Anthony Alvarez, 63 appears to have died of self-inflicted gun shots, the Sheriff's Department said. He is the father of the two other people involved in the shooting, authorities said.

"Jennifer Kimble, 37, died, and Valerie Alvarez, 33, was wounded and air lifted to a Fresno hospital, authorities said. She is in critical condition, the sheriff's department said.

"Three children in the home on 12931 Clyde Avenue were not harmed. The two boys, 13 and 11, and one girl, 8, were the grandchildren of Anthony Alvarez, authorities said.

"The children were removed from the home and reunited with their father, who was at work when the shooting occurred, the sheriff's department said.

"Authorities were alerted to the shooting at 4:39 a.m. when the 8-year-old girl called the sheriff's department to report gunfire in the home.

"Investigation of the shootings is continuing."

From fresnobee.com...

Two Dead In Domestic Violence Incident

"SILVER CITY, NM — A Silver City man shot and killed his girlfriend Saturday night and then turned the gun on himself.

"Silver City Police officers responded to reports of shots fired at 11:09 p.m. Saturday night at the Gateway Apartments, at 2709 Leslie Road, according to a news release from the Department. Several callers reported shots being fired and one caller indicated the shots came from the apartment above them and they could also hear a female crying.

"Upon arrival, officers found two people dead from gunshot wounds to the head at the top of the stairs outside the front door to Apartment 31. Steve Becerra, 50, and Mary Portillo, 49, were boyfriend and girlfriend and were living in apartment 31 with Portillo's 8-year-old daughter, according to the release.

"The daughter was inside the apartment at the time of the shooting and was not hurt.

"According to the initial investigation, it appears to have been a domestic violence incident. The victims were found next to each other with a 9 mm handgun believed to have been used in the incident. Preliminary indications are that Becerra may have shot Portillo and then himself. Both bodies have been sent to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque for autopsies. The next of kin has been notified.

"At this point in the investigation, it is unclear as to what prompted the shooting. The investigation into the incident is continuing, the report states. No further information was available."

Source: Silver City Sun-News...

Post-Mortem Exam Indicates Murder/Suicide

"KINNELON, NJ — A Kinnelon husband shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself last Thursday, according to Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.

"In a press release Friday afternoon, Knapp said John P. Jones, 74, murdered his wife Joey Jones, 63, in their Long Meadow Road home in the gated Smoke Rise section of the borough.

"On May 23, Kinnelon police responded to the residence at approximately 8:01 a.m. At that time, the Joneses' bodies were found inside the house. The investigation did not reveal any signs of forcible entry into the home, the prosecutor said.

"A post-mortem examination was conducted Friday by Deputy Morris County Medical Examiner Carlos Fonseca. Pursuant to the results of the examination, Knapp said John Jones shot his wife, killing her, and then turned the gun on himself."

Read more at northjersey.com...

One Dead, Two Injured After Family Disagreement

"CHARLESTON, WV — A teenage girl is dead, another teen is wounded and an elderly man is seriously hurt after an apparently botched murder-suicide on 225 Keystone Drive, just south of Yeager Airport, at about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

"Roy Roger Pittman, 69, killed his 15-year-old adopted stepdaughter with a shotgun blast to the chest and shot his 18-year-old adopted stepson in the upper leg Friday evening after a family dispute, according to Kanawha County Chief Deputy Mike Rutherford.

"When police arrived at the scene and ordered Pittman to put his weapon down, he turned the 12-gauge shotgun on himself and `shot himself in the face,` Rutherford said.

"`They were having a family disagreement, and he shot his adopted daughter inside the house... then he walked next door to where his adopted son was and shot him,` Rutherford said. `He then went to the back porch of his residence and, when he was ordered to put down the weapon, he shot himself in the jaw.`

"Pittman was alive and being treated at CAMC General Hospital late Friday. The stepson was being treated for his leg wound.

"Pittman's wife, and the mother of the two children, made the 911 call after hearing the gunshots, Rutherford said."

From the Charleston Gazette...

Father And Son Found Dead In Home

"RIVER RIDGE, LA — Jefferson Parish detectives suspect that a 52-year-old man shot his 16-year-old son in the head in recent days and turned the gun on himself in their River Ridge home. Authorities authorities found both bodies in the home Friday morning. Their names were not released.

"The boy's mother, the man's ex-wife, called 911 on Friday just after 11 a.m., asking the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office to check on her son because she had not heard from him in quite some time, said Col. John Fortunato of the Sheriff's Office.

"The deputies entered the home at 335 Celeste Ave., at Lucy Court, through the unlocked front door and found the man's body on the living room floor. He had a gunshot wound to his head, Fortunato said. A semiautomatic pistol lay next to the body, he said.

"The deputies searched the home and found the teen's body in a bedroom. Jefferson Parish coroner's office investigators determined the teen also was shot in the head.

"`It appears that the young man had been dead for more than a day,` Fortunato said."

From nola.com...

Police Arrive As Killer Shoots Himself

"DURHAM, NC — Police are investigating an apparent domestic murder/suicide that happened Wednesday afternoon in the parking lot of an office complex in the 3300 block of Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard.

"Officers were dispatched to the location at 3:17 p.m. where they found Millicent Blair-Arnett, 40, of Durham, lying in the parking lot. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police spokeswoman Kammie Michael.

"Her former husband, Anthony Carl Arnett, 45, shot himself as officers arrived on the scene. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

"The couple were divorced, Michael said."

From newsobserver.com...

Wife-Killer Commits Suicide In Motel

"SODDY DAISY, TN — The search for a man suspected of killing his wife has ended after he took his own life.

"Since Sunday morning, Hamilton County Sheriff deputies were looking for Terry Releford, 34, of Soddy Daisy. Deputies believed Releford killed his wife who has been identified as Tammi Releford, 35.

"The man hunt began when authorities were called to the couples' home on 8912 Lovell Road. When deputies entered the home, they found Tammy Releford dead from blunt force trauma to the head. Her husband had already left the scene.

"According to a sheriff's report, Terry Releford bound his wife's two children from a previous relationship, before killing his pregnant wife. One of the children managed to break free and call for help.

"Authorities said the children were uninjured during the event.

"Deputies spent the entire day searching for the victim's husband and were able to locate him in Gordon County Georgia where he was holding up in a hotel. By Monday morning, Hamilton County deputies along with Gordon County authorities moved on the suspects location where they found him already dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

"`The weapon that was used as part of the original crime was the weapon that he took his life with,` said the Sheriff Hammond."

From WDEF.com...

Family Member Finds Bodies Of Couple

"LOUISVILLE, TN — Preliminary autopsy results show the deaths of the Louisville couple are consistent with a murder/suicide, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.

"Rebecca A. Adkins, 53, and Steven R. Adkins, 54, of 121 Chandler Way, Louisville, were found dead in their home at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a Sheriff’s Office media release. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

"Investigators said it appeared that Steven Adkins shot Rebecca Adkins, and then shot himself.

"The Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded Sunday to the Adkins’ residence after a family member found the couple inside of their Chandler Road residence. It is not known how long the couple had been inside of the residence. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is investigating."

From The Daily Times...

Bodies Found In Forest

"BROOKSVILLE, FL — Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Major Case detectives are currently working a death investigation with preliminary information indicating a domestic related murder/suicide involving two people found deceased in a heavily wooded area of the Chassahowitzka Forest.

"Sunday at 2:45 a.m. the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to a heavily wooded area of the Chassahowitzka Forest on Commercial Way in Brooksville at the request of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. When deputies arrived, they discovered the bodies of Michael Jones, age 66, and Glenda Jones, age 66, deceased in the woods.

"The investigation thus far indicates Michael and Glenda Jones were reported missing in Pinellas County during the early morning hours on May 19.

"Preliminary investigation indicates the incident is isolated, and that residents do not need to be concerned for their safety, according to the sheriff’s office."

From Hernando Today...

Couple Found Shot During Police Welfare Check

"HOUSTON, TX — Officers found the bodies of two young people in a west Houston apartment on Sunday evening after a friend asked police to do a welfare check.

"According to the Houston Police Department, the discovery was made around 6 p.m. in the 7600 block of Highmeadow Drive.

"Police said a female victim, 24, and a male suspect, 31, were both found fatally shot in the apartment. The shootings appeared to be a case of murder/suicide.

"Sergeants with HPD Homicide said the young woman had not been seen for several days, so her close friend called police to check the residence. The friend told police the couple had been in a relationship for several years but were having recent problems.

"HPD said the investigation is continuing as investigators await autopsy results."

From KHOU...

Killer Ends Up In Trauma Center After Botched Suicide

"ARBUTUS, MD — Baltimore County police found a dead woman and an unconscious man inside an Arbutus home Friday afternoon.

"Police responded to a home in the 4700 block of Belwood Green after receiving information that a man had killed someone in the home and intended to kill himself, according to a police statement Saturday.

"When officers entered the home they found Kathleen Washington, 45, dead, the statement said. She suffered multiple injuries, police said, and her cause of death is awaiting autopsy results.

"The man was suffering from self-inflicted wounds and taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, police said. He is in critical condition, the statement said.

"Police will publicly identify the man if he is charged, the statement said."

From The Baltimore Sun...

Missing Woman Found Dead

"LAS VEGAS, NV — A Henderson man and a Las Vegas woman have been identified as the people who died in an apparent murder/suicide.

"A Clark County coroner's office staffer said Saturday the man was 29-year-old Luis Montiel of Henderson while the woman was 18-year-old Vanniesa Caroline Fernandez of Las Vegas.

"During a preliminary investigation on Friday, Metro Lt. Ray Steiber said it appeared that the woman was the victim in a murder/suicide.

"The two bodies were found Friday about 3 p.m. at the Mark I Apartments at 1020 E. Desert Inn Road. Metro was alerted by the woman's friend who said she had not heard from her for a few days, Metro said."

From mynews3.com...

Neighbor Finds Bodies Of Elderly Couple

"RED BOILING SPRINGS, TN — The Macon County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to Red Boiling Springs on Thursday morning when two people were found deceased in their home.

"A neighbor of Edo S. Kirby, age 76, and Dennis H. Kirby, age 71, called and reported that they had gone to the home located at 5177 Oak Grove Road and discovered Edo and Dennis Kirby with gunshot wounds.

"The Sheriff’s office arrived with RBSPD and Macon County EMS and discovered that both Mr. and Mrs. Kirby were deceased. `Through the investigation and talking with family, evidence showed that Dennis shot Edo and then turned the gun upon himself and took his own life,` said Macon County Sheriff Mark Gammons."

From maconcountytimes.com...

Death On A Park Bench

"MONTCLAIR, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray announced that the deaths of Shanae Howard, 24, of Orange and Brandon Brown, 26 of Montclair, who were found shot and killed in Canterbury Park in Montclair last night, have been determined to be a homicide/suicide by the regional medical examiner.

"Shanae Howard sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and Brandon Brown sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.

"The weapon recovered at the scene by the Montclair Police was determined to be the weapon used in the incident.

"Earlier today, Essex County Prosecutor’s office identified the two victims and said they had a dating relationship. The shootings took place on a bench in the park, steps away from a playground. The victims were found and pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.

"By late this afternoon, police tape had been removed from Canterbury Park and young children ran about the playground. A police cruiser drove through the park, as kids played basketball and couples walked along trails."

From baristanet.com...

Officers Find Bodies After 911 Call

"DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA — Desert Hot Springs Police were investigating an apparent murder/suicide early Thursday morning.

"The Riverside County Coroner's office identified the two late Thursday morning only as 60-year-olds.

"A statement from police said a man reportedly called overnight saying he'd killed his wife.

"The 911 call came in at 2:22 a.m., from a residence on the 13500 block of Cerrita Way, according to the statement. The cul de sac neighborhood is located south of Hacienda Avenue and west of Mountain View Road.

"A man said he had killed his wife and that he was going to kill himself.

"Arriving officers found a man and woman inside the residence, both dead.

"There was no word on what type of injuries they had suffered.

"Police said an investigation was underway."

From KESQ.com...

Shooter In Critical Condition After Attempted Murder/Suicide

"TEMECULA, CA — A woman is dead and a man critically injured from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday morning, May 16, in Temecula, authorities said.

"About 6 a.m., deputies were called out to the 30200 block of Del Rey Road, near Avenida Barca, in the Meadowview neighborhood, said Cpl. Angel Ramos, a spokesman for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Dispatchers had learned, based on secondhand information, that a man shot a woman inside the house, he said.

"Deputies surrounded the home and tried repeatedly to call out those inside but received no answer, Ramos said. Officers went inside the house and found the woman dead and the man wounded.

"The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition, he said.

"It was unclear who placed the initial 911 call."

From The Press-Enterprise...

Estranged Couple Found Dead In Yard

"CLINTON, MD — A man shot and killed his estranged wife and then turned the shotgun on himself in Clinton, Md., Wednesday night, according to Prince George's County police.

"Police identify the two as Denise Taffe, 41, of Clinton and Jason Taffe, 47, of Silver Spring.

"The Taffes were found dead in Denise Taffe's yard on 7707 Pinewood Drive when police responded to a 10:20 p.m. call about a shooting.

"According to the preliminary investigation into the murder/suicide, Jason Taffe came to his estranged wife's home, got into an argument with her and the argument turned physical. Police say he shot her, then killed himself."

From WTOP.com...

Two Dead After Weekend "Drama"

"TULSA, OK — Tulsa police are on the scene of a murder-suicide in west Tulsa. The bodies of a husband and wife were discovered Tuesday afternoon at a home in the 6300 block of South 29th West Place.
Officers ... came to the house at 2:08 p.m. on a well-being check, requested by the couple's daughter.

"Homicide Sergeant Dave Walker said there had been `some history, some drama,` at the house in the last week.

"The daughter of the female victim went into the home with police, and they discovered the body of her mother, shot and killed in a bedroom. Police then found the man's body dead in another bedroom, also of a gunshot wound.

"`It's unfortunate, but it doesn't appear like anything other than a homicide occurred, then the suspect shot and killed himself in another part of the house,` Walker said.

"Neighbors say a man, woman and children live at the address.

"The daughter said her mom worked with the elderly, as a therapeutic registered nurse. She said there was a fight Friday and the police showed up, guns drawn, and took the man away in handcuffs.

"Police say the man didn't go to jail, but was taken to a mental health facility."

From newson6.com...

One Dead, One Injured In Florida Motel Shooting

"SAINT PETERSBURG, FL — One man is dead and another injured after a shooting at the New Plaza Motel early Tuesday morning.

"At around 4:30 a.m. St. Pete police found the motel night clerk, 47-year-old Jerome Horacek, shot several times in the upper torso. He was taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

"Police say Anthony Taylor, a former security officer of the New Plaza Motel, shot at Horacek several times while inside the motel office.

"When officers arrived at the motel, Taylor reportedly ran to the 3500 block of 3rd Avenue North, where he shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Witnesses say Taylor worked at the motel as a security guard and was staying in one of the rooms, but management fired him about two months ago, because he had gotten into several confrontations with motel patrons.

"Taylor was still allowed to rent a room, but was recently told he was going to be evicted for falling behind on his rent.

"Police are still trying to find out why Taylor shot Horacek, who was not responsible for Taylor's termination as a security guard or his eviction from the motel. Horacek even reportedly had a casual conversation with Taylor an hour or so before the shooting. Robbery is a possible motive."

From wtsp.com...

Shooter Attempts Suicide At Hospital

"PHOENIX, AZ — Two men are in critical condition Tuesday morning after one of the men is suspected of shooting the other in Phoenix Monday before shooting himself at a hospital, according to authorities.

"About 8 p.m. Thursday, the suspected shooter, a 28-year-old man, walked into the Jamba Juice near Interstate 17 and Thunderbird Road with a handgun and got into an argument with his 24-year-old ex-boyfriend, who is a store employee, Sgt. Trent Crump, a spokesman from the Phoenix Police Department said.

"The man is suspected of forcing three employees to the rear of the business where he took all their cell phones and damaged the store’s phone, according to police.

"The man took his ex-boyfriend outside to the parking lot of the store where he had parked his Suburban, Crump said. The victim fought back and at one point caused the gunman to drop his weapon, according to police.

"The man who brought the gun regained control of the weapon and is suspected of shooting his ex-boyfriend twice in the upper body before fleeing, Crump said.

"He drove to John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital, where he shot himself in the head in the lobby when the first officer arrived.

"The gunman was flown to a second trauma center. The man who was shot near the Jamba Juice was in critical condition but expected to survive, Crump said."

From azcentral.com...

Vets Found Dead In RV Park

"PEARSALL, TX — Pearsall residents woke up to the sound of gunshots Monday morning, and deputies later found two people dead.

"Authorities said they believe the two were military veterans who died in an apparent murder/suicide.

"Frio County deputies said they got a call reporting shots fired at about 8:20 p.m. Sunday at the Shady Cove RV Park on Nolan Road in Pearsall.

"Deputies responded and saw two people on the ground and not moving. The deputies then secured the scene.

"Deputies said Amaya Namida, 31, shot her live-in boyfriend, Ramon Salinas, 51.

"The coroner said she shot him six times in the face with a 9 mm Barreta.

"Deputies said Namida's father told them he believes his daughter was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as an ex-Marine.

"Deputies are still investigating the incident."

From KENS5.com...

Three Men Dead After Domestic Dispute

"ASHEVILLE, NC — Authorities say three family members are dead after a Buncombe County man shot and killed his father and brother and then killed himself.

"Sheriff's office officials say the shooting occurred early Saturday morning at a house south of Asheville.

"They say Joshua Alexander McArdle died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while Arthur James McArdle and Banning McArdle were taken to Mission Hospital, where they died.

"Sheriff Van Duncan says the shootings are the result of a domestic dispute."

From SFGate...

Man Confesses To Friend Before Shooting Himself

"NEW STRAITSVILLE, OH — The Hocking County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the murder-suicide of Tammy and Kevin Buckley, both of whom died Saturday night in their home at 9927 state Route 93 North in New Straitsville.

"Hocking County Coroner David Cummin said today that Tammy Buckley had voiced concerns to her sister, who lived next door, that her husband, Kevin, was threatening her a few hours before the incident occurred.

"Cummin said Tammy, 49, was shot in the head with a shotgun by her husband at 8:45 p.m. Saturday. She died instantly.

"Kevin, 47, then called a friend and told him what he had done before shooting himself through the mouth with the shotgun at about 9 p.m.

"The friend called the Lancaster Police Department, which then transferred the call to the Perry County Sheriff’s Office.

"The HCSO received a call at about 9:03 p.m. Saturday night from the Perry County asking for assistance for a possible homicide and barricade situation.

"Both were dead when law enforcement arrived. The bodies were discovered by the Logan-Hocking Special Response Team when they entered the house.

"The couple had been married 19 years. Kevin had been laid off from Amanda Bent Bolt Company in Logan while Tammy was a pharmacy technician at the Logan Wal-Mart, Cummin said.

"A person at the scene who knew the Buckleys, and asked not to be identified, said the couple had a troubled marriage and at one point had separated, but got back together three years ago.

"Cummin said the two did not have a physical struggle before the shooting but did have some sort of argument."

From LOGANDAILY.com...

UPDATE:

05/14/2013 — "I just blew Tammy’s head off. Call 911"...

Domestic Dispute Ends With 2 Dead, 1 Critical

"MADISON, AL — A standoff lasting more than five hours ended with two people dead and one injured.

"Huntsville Police and SWAT responded to a standoff in a home in the Knox Creek Subdivision Saturday morning.

"It started with a domestic dispute at a home in the Knox Creek subdivision, off Balch Road in Huntsville.

"Police were called out to the house at 221 Mountain Creek Drive around 7:40 Saturday morning.

"They made contact with Brandon Titsworth, who barricaded himself and four others inside the home. He threatened to shoot if police came any closer.

"Authorities evacuated homes in the neighborhood and diverted traffic from the area during the standoff.

"After hours of attempted communication by negotiators, SWAT members entered the home just before 12:30 p.m.

"Authorities found two bodies inside the home, including that of the suspect.

"Police identified the female victim as Ashley Spangler. It appears she was shot several hours earlier.

"Police said the suspect, Brandon Titsworth shot and killed himself sometime during the standoff.

"A second woman, who officers have identified as Briana Perkey, was found injured with a gunshot wound to her head. She was rushed to Huntsville Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

"Officers also found two young children unharmed in the home.

"Police said evidence points to Titsworth shooting both women, before turning the gun on himself."

From WAFF...

Dead Bodies Found In Car

"HUNTINGDON, TN — Two West Tenneseeans are dead after what police said is a possible murder/suicide.

"Huntingdon police found two bodies behind a home on Northwood Drive. 43-year-old Tony Gordon and 46-year old Euline Jenkins were found dead in a car, with gunshot wounds to the head.

"Police initially went to the house for a welfare check after family members said they could not contact the individuals.

"The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting Huntingdon police in this ongoing investigation."

From WBBJ-TV...

Woman Shot "At Least" Twenty-Five Times

"PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh police say a man shot and killed his wife, and then turned the gun on himself at a Lawrenceville home.

"Police describe the scene at the intersection of 46th and Davidson as horrible.

"Police say 44-year old Stephanie Byrd had a protection order against her estranged husband 46-year old Bruce Byrd.

"They say Stephanie had called Bruce’s mother to come over to pickup some of her stuff from her mother-in-law’s home. Bruce lives next door to his mother, and got word that his wife was going to be there.

"`When she [Stephanie] entered the Carlton Street home, a short time later there were gunshots, a series of three multiple gunshots, 30 to 33 shots were fired,` says Lt. Kevin Kraus.

"Police say he went next door, and shot Stephanie at least 25 times, before shooting himself.

"Witnesses say Stephanie pounded on the window for help before her death."

Source: CBS Pittsburgh...

Murder Suspect Found Dead

"FRANKLIN, MI — A well-liked Birmingham teacher killed in what police say was an apparent murder/suicide was shot at least three times in his Franklin home, according to sources.

"The suspect in his death was found with a gunshot wound to the head, sources said.

"Harry Berkowitz, 72, who was with the Birmingham school district for 47 years, suffered at least three gunshot wounds, including one to the head, at his house on Charles Lane, according to a source with knowledge of the case. Berkowitz was found after a contractor called police to the house about 8 a.m. Tuesday.

"The suspect, Thomas Ian Matthews, 33, described by police as Berkowitz’s longtime roommate, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a home in Royal Oak, according to the source.

"Police say they believe Matthews attacked Berkowitz before turning a gun on himself. Police spent hours Tuesday outside the Royal Oak house near 11 Mile Road and I-75 before finding Matthews dead on a bed inside, investigators said.

"Franklin-Bingham Farms Police Chief Daniel Roberts said today that it’s still unclear what prompted the attack. On Tuesday, he said it appeared to be `some sort of a variation of a domestic issue.`

"`We’re hoping we can piece (it) together as the days go on,` he said."

Source: Detroit Free Press...

Man Finds Bodies Of Wife And Daughter

"TOCCOA, GA — Police say the shooting deaths of a mother and daughter in Toccoa on Saturday were a murder and suicide.

"Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said the mother, 72-year-old Nancy Brown Guest, shot her daughter, 36-year-old Mary Charlotte Guest, then killed herself in their home on Arcadia Drive. The shootings happened while Nancy Guest’s husband, James Guest, was in another room.

"James Guest found the bodies of his wife and daughter.

"Jarrell said police officers were called to the residence late Saturday morning.

"According to Jarrell, the bodies were sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab in Atlanta.

"Jarrell said that the investigation has shown the deaths to be the result of a murder/suicide.

"`Nancy Guest died of a gunshot wound and Mary Charlotte Guest died of what has been determined as a self-inflicted gunshot wound,` Jarrell said.

"Jarrell said the weapon used was found close to the body of Mary Charlotte Guest.

"The chief said police are still investigating."

Source: independentmail.com...

Shooting Incident Ruled Murder/Suicide

"CANTON, PA — A double shooting in Bradford County has been ruled a homicide-suicide, according to a coroner's report released Monday afternoon.

"Around 9:20 a.m. Sunday, Bradford County 911 received a call for an incident at 360 East Main St. in Canton Borough, Pa.

"When emergency crews arrived to the home, they found two people who had been shot.

"Teesha Rieco, 24, of Canton, was found dead in bed at her home. She bled to death, according to Bradford County Coroner Thomas Carman.

"Curtis Chisman, 44, of Canton Borough, shot himself in the head and was airlifted to Robert Packer Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

"State Police said they do not believe a third person was involved in the shooting.

"Chisman is the father of Rieco's 1-month-old baby.

"Police have not commented if drugs or alcohol were involved.

"The investigation is ongoing."

From wbng.com...

Violence Erupts At Family Gathering

"DENVER, CO — A man was in serious condition and on `investigative hold` at Denver Health Medical Center on Monday after Denver police said he fatally shot his wife and turned the gun on himself at a family gathering in the Globeville neighborhood.

"Genaro Rodela, 37, was being held for investigation of homicide, in the killing of his wife, whom the Denver medical examiner's office identified as Maria C. Rodela, 34. She died of two gunshot wounds to the head during the `domestic altercation,` the office said.

"Court records show the couple married in 1996, and Maria Rodela filed for divorce in February.

"The murder/suicide attempt was reported about 9 p.m. Sunday in the 4400 block of Sherman Street. Police said the two had an argument before Genaro Rodela opened fire on the woman in front of several relatives.

"He then shot himself in the chest. A ribbon of yellow crime scene tape cordoned the home Monday morning.

"Neighbors said the family who lives there is quiet. Most heard nothing until they saw a fire truck and police cars arrive at the scene."

From the Denver Post...

Mom Shoots Son, Self In Attempted Murder/Suicide

"WENTZVILLE, MO — St. Charles police confirm that a juvenile victim called 911 after his mother shot him, then turned the gun on herself inside their Wentzville home.

"Officers were called to a home in the 200 block of Niagra, just north of Wentzville Parkway, around 3:40 p.m. on Saturday. When they arrived, police found a wounded juvenile lying on the driveway.

"Fearing for the child's safety, an officer picked him up and carried him to an ambulance located about a block and a half from the home.

"Multiple police departments and a SWAT team secured a perimeter around the area. After about an hour, officers cautiously entered the home.

"Laurie Anderson, 44, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"The juvenile victim was transported to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in critical condition. On Sunday, he was transported to St. Louis University Hospital where he is listed in serious condition.

"Authorities haven't released the age or identity of the juvenile victim."

From KMOV.com...

Bodies Found Weeks After Murder/Suicide

"GAFFNEY, SC — Autopsies confirm that a Gaffney couple found dead Friday afternoon died from gunshot wounds in an apparent murder-suicide.

"Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said James Truman Smith, 74, and his 69 year old wife, Doris Marlene Smith, 69, sustained single gunshot wounds to the head.

"The Smiths were found lying in the driveway of their rural home on Dry Fork Road about 3:50 p.m. by a man who had come over to get some large rocks, Fowler said, in a written statement Sunday.

"`Based on my investigation, autopsy results and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office investigation, I have ruled Mrs. Smith's death a homicide and Mr. Smith's death a suicide,` Fowler said.

"The couple died sometime between April 24 and 26.

"`Mr. Smith shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself,` Fowler said. `This is a most tragic event for which we will never know exactly what led up to the fatal shootings.`"

From GoUpstate.com...

Police Thwart Murder/Suicide Plan

"KILGORE, TX — On Thursday, May 2, 2013, at approximately 4:35 pm Kilgore Police responded to the 500 Block of Gladewater Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle/welfare concern.

"Upon arrival, police officers encountered William Lawson, 50 years of age, of Kilgore and his father, Robert Emmett Lawson, 76 years of age, of Kilgore, inside a 1985 Chevrolet pick-up. Officers noticed a strong smell of propane gas and observed signs on the truck windows that said `Danger Propane`.

"Officers initiated contact with William Lawson, who threatened to ignite the propane and kill himself, his father and the responding officers. Officers could see the windows fogging up on the truck and with the assistance of the Kilgore Fire Department, the truck was breached and the occupants removed. During the breach William Lawson was observed attempting to strangle his father. A propane tank was recovered from inside the truck.

"Both parties were transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Kilgore for medical treatment. Robert Lawson was determined to be in critical condition and was subsequently transferred to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview.

"William Lawson is currently being detained by police and will be charged with attempted murder."

From KETK...

Kindergarten Teacher Killed In Murder/Suicide

"PINEVILLE, KY — Two people are dead in Bell County after an apparent murder-suicide Friday morning.

"Police were called to a home in the Woodland Hills area located in Pineville at about 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, police discovered Anthony Scott Mace, 45, of Pineville and Lisa Mace, 41, also of Pineville deceased inside the home.

"Preliminary investigation indicates that Anthony Scott Mace had shot his wife before turning the weapon upon himself.

"Lisa Mace was a kindergarten teacher at Lone Jack Elementary School for almost 20 years. The school was dismissed early once word of the shootings spread.

"Lisa Mace is survived by her two young daughters.

"So far, police have not said what may have let to the shootings. The incident is still under investigation by Kentucky State Police."

From lex18.com...

Deputies Suspect Double Murder/Suicide

"HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA — A shooting that left three people dead in Hacienda Heights is being investigated as a murder/suicide, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said.

"Deputies responded to a call of a shooting inside a home shortly before 9 a.m. in the 15900 block of Ladysmith Street. When they arrived, they found two people dead and a third in critical condition, suffering from a gunshot wound. The third victim was airlifted to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.

"Lt. Dave Dolson said the victims—two women and a man—appeared to be related and between the ages of 50 and 80.

"`Our preliminary information shows it's essentially a murder/suicide situation,` Dolson said.

"One woman was found in a bedroom and the other in the living room. The man was found in the backyard. Additionally, he said, a handgun and shotgun were found near the man.

"It's unknown how many gunshots were fired. "

Source: LA Times...