"A Tragic Act Of Domestic Violence"

"STOWE, VT — Authorities have identified the two people killed in an apparent murder-suicide that police are calling `a tragic act of domestic violence.`

"According to a press release issued by the Stowe Police Department, police believe 64-year-old Wayne Washburn murdered his 59-year-old wife, Katherine Washburn, and then committed suicide.

"Police found the bodies of Wayne and Katherine Washburn at their home at 262 Cady Hill Road in Stowe at 4:38 p.m. Wednesday. On Thursday morning, police said their investigation indicated the incident was a murder/suicide. They identified the victims and provided more details late Thursday afternoon.

"Police said Katherine Washburn had suffered `severe injuries to her head,` although her exact cause of death had not yet been determined.

"Police said evidence suggests Wayne Washburn may have `overdosed on prescription medication in conjunction with deliberate carbon monoxide poisoning.`

"The department is awaiting further information from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner."

From stowetoday.com...

Neighbors Tip Police To Attempted Murder/Suicide

"WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — Tragedy struck West Hollywood yesterday when a man allegedly stabbed his boyfriend/roommate to death and then attempted suicide.

"The report of a possible altercation came in just before 5:00 pm from the 900 block of Palm Avenue, a street that runs between Santa Monica Boulevard on the south to Holloway on the north.

"According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, upon arriving at the scene on a welfare check, deputies were told by neighbors that there may have been a homicide and a possible suicide.

"Forcing their way into the apartment unit, the deputies found a man lying on the kitchen floor with multiple stab wounds.

"Paramedics were called in and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Continuing their search of the premises, deputies then discovered a man hiding in a bathroom.

"Homicide detectives say he appeared to have taken a large quantity of pills in an attempt to kill himself.

"He was taken to a hospital for treatment and evaluation."

From wehonews.com...

Victim, Perp Expected To Survive Botched Murder/Suicide

"LEONARDTOWN, MD — A woman is being treated at a trauma center and her boyfriend is under guard by state troopers while he is hospitalized after an apparent attempted murder/suicide Monday night in St. Mary's County.

"James M. Young, 32, of the 22000 block of Washington Street in Leonardtown, Md., is being guarded by troopers at the Medstar St. Mary's Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. Charges against him are pending.

"The victim is identified as Lashawn M. Hurley, 34, of the same address. She is being treated for an apparent stab wound at the Prince George's Hospital Center.

"Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Monday, Maryland State Police at the Leonardtown Barrack received a 911 call for a reported stabbing at an apartment in the 22000-block of Washington Street in Leonardtown.

"When troopers arrived, they were met by Young and Hurley, who were coming down the stairs to the apartment. Hurley was in obvious pain and told troopers Young had stabbed her, and the knife was still in her back. Troopers saw what appeared to be the blade portion of a knife protruding from the victim's back.

"Young told troopers he had ingested an unknown amount of pills in an apparent suicide attempt.

"St. Mary's County emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene. Two ambulances transported Hurley and Young to Medstar St. Mary's Hospital. Hurley was later transferred to the Prince George's Hospital Center.

"The preliminary investigation indicates Hurley and Young have lived together at the apartment for about four years. A motive for last night's attempted murder/suicide has not been determined at this time.

"Hospital personnel have told investigators both Hurley and Young are expected to survive."

From wjla.com...

Mom, Son Survive Botched Murder/Suicide

"LOUDON, TN — A Loudon mom is in jail after police say she tried to kill her mentally challenged son, and then herself.

"51-year-old Martha Brewer is charged with attempted first degree murder of her son, 24-year-old Casey Hogan.

"Loudon Police Detective Brian Jenkins says they first got a call of an attempted suicide about 2 p.m. on Sunday. But soon after they arrived, police discovered the scene was much worse. They say Brewer gave her son an overdose of sleeping pills, then cut his wrist. After that, she did the same thing to herself.

"`Mrs. Brewer had given Casey what she hoped to be an overdose of sleeping pills. When the sleeping pills failed to take his life, she then cut his wrist with a small kitchen knife. After that, thinking that she'd been successful in taking his life, she attempted to take her own by taking an overdose of the same type of sleeping pills and cutting her own wrist,` Jenkins said.

"Jenkins says Hogan has been released from the hospital and he's now staying with family.

"Brewer is being held at the Loudon County Jail. Her bail is set at $100,000. She has no prior criminal history in Loudon."

From WATE.com...

Killer Survives Suicide By Drug Overdose

"CULLMAN, AL — The Cullman County Sheriff's Department is investigating the shooting death of a woman in the Berlin community. Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting on 4141 US 278 East on Sunday around 1 p.m.

"When deputies arrived on the scene, they discovered a 32-year-old woman had been shot. The sheriff's office identified her as Britni Lynn Champagne.

"Champagne was transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center and airlifted to Huntsville Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The sheriff's office says she died from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

"Sheriff Mike Rainey said the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle after the shooting. A Cullman aviation officer spotted the suspect's unoccupied vehicle in a wooded area near the Mulberry River south of Hollypond.

"On Monday, the sheriff's office identified the suspect as Patrick Wesley Stallings, 33.

"Stallings was located a couple of hunderd yards away hiding in a creek. Authorities say he overdosed on narcotics in a suicide attempt as he was being taken into custody. Deputies had the suspect transported to Cullman Regional Medical Center. His condition is not known at this time.

"He is being held in connection to the shooting."

From WBRC...

Couple Had No History Of Domestic Violence

"HENDERSON, NV — The man who died in an apparent murder/suicide has been identified by the Clark County Coroner's office as 45-year-old Wade Elliott Adams. The identity of the woman in the home has not been released.

"Henderson Police said it appeared Adams shot and killed his wife and then overdosed on drugs at a home on Karen Way, near Van Wagenen Street and Major Avenue.

"A passerby called 911 after seeing the Adams' daughter crying outside the home.

"When Henderson officers arrived, the woman told them she had gone to the home after she found her father's truck keys and money at her residence.

"When she went to the home on Karen Way she found the couple dead.

"No calls had ever been made from the house for domestic violence issues, police said.

"The woman's death is the first murder in Henderson this year."

From 8newsnow.com...

Mom And Son, 9, Found Dead During Welfare Check

"GREEN BAY, WI — Brown County's Medical Examiner says the deaths of a mother and son earlier this week has been ruled a murder/suicide.

"In a statement from the Green Bay Police Department, Medical Examiner Al Klimek released preliminary autopsy results on 9-year-old Damien Veraghen and 33-year-old April Veraghen.

"Damian Veraghen died as the result of manual suffocation. It is suspected that he was medicated prior to the suffocation, but toxicology results are still pending.

"April Veraghen died as the result on a combination of prescription medication toxicity and hypoxia due to suffocation. That is considered a self-inflicted act.

"Police officers responded to a welfare check at an apartment on 507 S. Fisk Street, on the city's west side Tuesday around 9:30 a.m. When they arrived, cops found both April Veraghen and her son dead."

From wtaq.com...

"I Should Die"

"LAS VEGAS, NV — A Las Vegas woman has been arrested on a count of murder after she forced her mentally disabled son to overdose on prescription medication but survived an attempt to kill herself, Metro Police alleged.

"Joanne Hafer, 51, was arrested Sunday on a count of open murder after telling police she fed herself and her son, Matthew Hafer, a mixture of prescription medication in an attempt to end both of their lives, according to an arrest report.

"Joanne Hafer wanted to kill herself but was concerned that her son, who required constant supervision, could not take care of himself, so she decided to end both of their lives, the report said.

"She told officers she was responsible for her son’s death and when asked what should happen to her, she told officers, `I should die,` according to the arrest report.

"On Saturday, officers were called to a rented room of a mobile home in the 6000 block of Castlemont Avenue by a resident on the other side of the trailer who heard a woman screaming for help, police said.

"They found Matthew Hafer unresponsive on a recliner and his mother on the floor."

Source: Las Vegas Sun...

Woman Overdoses On Pills After Shooting Husband

"CRAGSMOOR, NY — A woman killed her husband with two gunshots to the head and then died after taking pills, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office said on Thursday.

"Undersheriff Frank Faluotico said the case was being treated as a murder/suicide.

"The Sheriff’s Office said deputies went to 40 Dellenbaugh Road in the Wawarsing hamlet of Cragsmoor at 7:32 p.m. Wednesday after being told neither Paul W. McCombs, 62, nor Sharon K. McCombs, 61, had been heard from in more than 24 hours.

"Faluotico said a family member who was not in the area asked authorities to check on the McCombs. He said the couple lived alone and were found dead in a rear bedroom of the single-story, ranch-style home.

"The preliminary investigation, according to a Sheriff’s Office report, found Mrs. McCombs shot her husband twice in the head with a small-caliber handgun and then died after ingesting an undetermined amount of prescription medication.

"`Our investigation at this point revealed she (Mrs. McCombs) only fired two shots, both striking the male subject,` Faluotico said on Thursday."

From dailyfreeman.com...

Suspected Killer Found Dead Of Probable Overdose

"SAN JOSE, CA — A San Jose man police had been searching for since Friday in connection with his wife's killing was found dead of an apparent suicide in San Benito County on Saturday.

"The body of 50-year-old Troy Edward Nosenzo was discovered inside his parked vehicle on Highway 129, west of Highway 101, shortly after 1 p.m. after an investigation led officers to search for him in that area, according to San Jose Police Sgt. Jason Dwyer.

"`It appears to be a suicide,` he said. `We believe that he probably took sleeping pills.`

"Dwyer said the final determination of the cause of Nosenzo's death will have to be made by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner.

"Nosenzo's wife was found just before 8 p.m. Friday in the entryway of the couple's South San Jose home on 6199 Evangeline Drive. Police still have not formally named her, but records identified her as Patricia Annette Nosenzo, 54.

"The circumstances surrounding the homicide are still under investigation.

"Police said after receiving a 911 hang-up call from the home at 5:38 a.m. Friday, they tried calling back with no success. They didn't immediately check the home because they said the nature of the call was unclear and they had other pressing matters at the time, including nearby auto thefts and a car that had crashed into a home.

"When officers did arrive at the Nosenzo house, they were further delayed by two aggressive dogs in the front yard, forcing them to summon an animal-control official before they could enter the residence. They found the front door unlocked and the victim on the ground. Police then began searching for her husband."

From mercurynews.com...

"Monster Mom" Kills Kid, Botches Suicide Bid

"NEW YORK, NY — A suspected hooker who appeared to dote on her 9-year-old son suddenly snapped and bashed the boy’s head with a hammer, police sources said.

"The unthinkable crime Friday night was the city’s third child murder in as many days.

"Ex-con Tenika Revell, 40, called 911 just before 11 p.m., police said. As if she had ice in her veins, she coldly told the operator that she killed her child and had taken pills to try to end her own life, police said.

"Cops rushed to her Brooklyn apartment and found the woman alive. But her son Bernard couldn’t be saved.

"Bernard was found with bruises and lacerations to his head, police said.

"The monster mom, treated at Woodhull Hospital, was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

"Police sources said Revell had at least 33 prior arrests, including several for prostitution. Revell, who used several aliases, served two separate stints in prison after being convicted of attempted robbery and attempted burglary, records show.

"Police were still trying to figure out late Saturday why she killed the boy."

Source: NYDailyNews.com...

Police Investigate "Grisly" Murder/Suicide

"NEW YORK, NY — Police are investigating a grisly apparent murder-suicide of a couple in Inwood, sources said.

"The bodies of Jesus Soto, 56, and Yanet Soto, 54, were discovered in their bedroom by the wife’s live-in daughter and her 12-year-old granddaughter about 11:20 a.m. in their apartment on Arden Street, near Nagle Avenue, cops said.

"Yanet had deep cuts on her face, which was nearly sliced from ear to ear in the couple’s bed, police sources said. Jesus was not wounded, but several pill containers were found next to his unconscious body. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe he may have deliberately overdosed after killing his wife, sources said.

"The couple was last seen about 8 p.m. yesterday, cops said. The daughter did not spend the night there, sources said, and made the gruesome discovery with her child when they came home.

"No domestic incident reports had ever been filed at the couple’s address before, cops said."

Source: New York Post...

Man Charged After Botched Murder/Suicide

"DUCHESNE, UT — A Duchesne man accused of murder allegedly told detectives he stabbed his wife to death to euthanize her and then tried to kill himself.

"The body of Mary Ratliff, 82, was found in her home Aug. 13 after a family friend received a package containing $7,000 and a suicide note from Ratliff’s husband, Charles Edward Dodd, according to murder charge filed in 8th District Court on Wednesday.

"Previously, the friend said, Dodd, 75, had been depressed and told her that `the end will come,` according to other court documents.

"Ratliff was found lying on a hospital-type bed, with a puncture wound to her chest, deputies wrote. Dodd was found unconscious in a chair in the same room. He also had a puncture wound to his chest and a cut on the back of his head, investigators wrote. A bloody hunting knife was on the table next to Ratliff’s bed.

"Dodd was taken by ambulance to the Uintah Basin Medical Center and was later flown to a Salt Lake City hospital.

"After he regained consciousness, Dodd told investigators that his wife was in constant pain, and the couple several times had discussed `ending it,` the charge states. Ratliff’s ailment is not described. Dodd said he left money for their burial along with the suicide note at their friend’s office and returned to the couple’s home, investigators wrote.

"Dodd said he waited until Ratliff was `semi asleep` and stabbed her where he thought her heart was, deputies wrote. Ratliff did not die immediately, so he stabbed her again, the charge states.

"After Ratliff died, Dodd swallowed a handful of pills, held the knife to his chest and used the wall to push the knife into his body, police wrote. He said the next thing he remembered was waking in the hospital.

"Dodd was charged with one first-degree felony charge of murder."

From The Salt Lake Tribune...

Suicide Bid Fails After Wife Shoots Hubby

"WARNER ROBINS, GA — An apparent murder-suicide attempt Friday in Warner Robins left a man dead and a woman in critical condition, according to a news release from Warner Robins police.

"About 6 p.m., officers went to 119 Jay Drive after receiving a report that there was a dead person there. According the report, officers found Brian Smith, 30, of Warner Robins, dead with several gunshots to his upper torso and then found his wife, Ebony Smith, 30, in the back bedroom. Officers determined she had shot her husband and attempted to kill herself by taking medication, according to the report.

"Ebony Smith was taken to the Houston Medical Center for treatment and is currently listed in critical condition, according to the report. She is being charged with felony murder in connection with this incident, according to the report."

From macon.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...

3 Kids Survive Mom's Murder/Suicide Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From KOB.com...

Welfare Check Reveals Gruesome Scene

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

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

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

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

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

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

From GoBlueRidge.net...

Pill-Poppin' Shooter Survives Murder/Suicide

"SANTA ANA, CA - A 57-year-old Santa Ana woman was shot dead Wednesday in an apparent murder-suicide case, police said.

"Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 6:30 a.m from a man who "said he shot a female in his apartment," said Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department.

"The woman was dead when officers arrived at the apartment in the 1100 block of West Stevens Avenue. Her name was not released because relatives had not been notified.

"Police said the 57-year-old man, who appears to be the woman's husband, took prescription medication in an attempted suicide.

"`At this point,` Bertagna said, `it appears that this is a husband killing his own wife and trying to take his own life.`

"Bertagna said the man was treated at a hospital and was being booked Wednesday evening on suspicion of murder. His name was not released."

From the LA Times...

Pill-Popping Perp Survives Murder/Suicide

"AUSTIN, TX - Authorities have charged a woman with first-degree murder after she allegedly gave her bedridden husband a large amount of pills and he died during an apparent murder/suicide attempt.

"... Sgt. Joseph Chacon said police indicated both 62-year-old Lloyd Yarbrough and his wife had taken overdoses when they were found on Wednesday at their home.

"Police were responding to a call from a home health care company that said it had not heard from its clients.

"The couple was taken to a hospital, where Lloyd Yarbrough died.

"After being hospitalized, police said Katherine Yarbrough suggested that she may have killed her husband.

"Chacon described the husband as requiring 24-hour care from his wife and the home health care company.

"Travis County Sheriff's Office spokesman Roger Wade said 52-year-old Katherine Yarbrough was arrested by Austin police on a murder charge Wednesday night.

"Police said she allegedly confessed yesterday to giving her husband several drugs until he overdosed.

"She was being held at the Travis County Jail under $20,000 bond."

From KDFM.com...

Doctor Please, Some More Of These

"CHESAPEAKE, VA - Police say a grandmother gave her 19-year-old autistic grandson an overdose of prescription medications before taking them herself, resulting in the death of both.

"Officers on Friday were called to the 3100 block of Ida Street for an unresponsive person, according to a news release from the Chesapeake Police Department this afternoon. They found Terrell Stepney, 19, breathing irregularly and 55-year-old Constance Stepney dead in the house.

"Terrell Stepney was taken to Chesapeake Regional Medical Center and put on life support. He died Saturday at 5:45 p.m.

"An `extensive investigation` determined that Constance Stepney had given her grandson an unknown amount of prescription drugs before consuming them, Boykin wrote."

From PilotOnline...