SWAT Team Finds Newlyweds Shot To Death

"TERRE HAUTE, IN — A newlywed in Indiana allegedly shot by her husband following an argument just hours after the wedding called 911 for help just before the shooting but gave dispatchers the wrong address, officials said.

"Kelly Ecker Samson told a 911 dispatcher her husband of just hours, Dr. George `Scott` Samson, was threatening to kill her, and gave the address of their Terra Haute home as 4205 North Creal Street, although the address was actually 4025.

"She then followed up with three more calls, again giving the incorrect address. The last call ended with screams and what sounded like gunshots, dispatchers said.

"Dispatchers attempting to locate the house could find no 4025 N. Creal St. on the map scheme used with the 911 system, and Kelly Samson's smartphone did not have `smart 911` activated on her cell phone, making it impossible to track it.

"When police deputies finally arrived at the right house, they found Kelly Samson dead in a bedroom from multiple gunshots.

"Dr. Samson's father and Kelly Samson's son from a previous marriage were at the house and told police the doctor had `gathered multiple rounds of ammunition, and fled into the basement.`

"Police evacuated the father and son along with Kelly Samson's mother-in-law from the house.

"Police then called in SWAT team who looked into the basement using a remote camera, seeing an unresponsive Dr. Samson who apparently had died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head."

Read more at Tech Times...

Robot Finds Body Of Killer After SWAT Standoff

"BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore City Police say Robert Hopkins, murder suspect, shot himself after holing up in a North Baltimore house overnight.

"Police say during an attempted carjacking, Hopkins shot and killed a man on Maryland Ave near 22nd St. just before 3am. He then pointed the gun at a woman, Denise Jones, and ran into a nearby home.

"Police surrounded the home for 8 hours, and told neighbors to stay inside. At 10:30am, police sent a robot inside. They found the suspect dead from a self inflicted gun shot wound.

"Hopkins has been wanted for a recent attempted murder and several other carjackings. The victim has not been identified."

From WBFF-TV...

Police Robot Locates Bodies Of Couple

"MALVERN, AL — A Geneva County couple was found dead in their home late Friday, the apparent victims of murder/suicide. Family members identified them as Russell and Sheila Burge. Public records show Sheila was 57 years old while Russell’s age was not immediately known.

"Law enforcement surrounded the home in Malvern about 5:00 p.m. Friday after a person, believed to be a family member, heard a shot while approaching the home. The bodies were found a few hours later after a mechanical robot was dispatched inside the home. Officers did not immediately enter the College Street residence because they were not sure whether a hostage situation existed.

"Family members at the scene said the couple had recent domestic issues. One member said had been depressed the past few weeks and may have tried to take his life a few days ago. That was not immediately confirmed by law enforcement.

"Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward said investigators will remain on the scene for a period of time though there is no reason to believe anyone else was involved in the double shooting. It’s believed that Russell killed his wife then turned the gun on himself."

From dothanfirst.com...

Apartment Building Evacuated After Shots Fired

"EDEN PRAIRIE, MN — Two people were killed in a shooting at an Eden Prairie apartment building Saturday morning.

"Eden Prairie Police had a SWAT team surrounding a building at the Eden Place apartment complex on the 8600 block of Magnolia Trail after they received a call of shots fired inside one of the units just after 7 a.m.

"Police say they went door-to-door and evacuated some residents after they were unable to make contact with the occupants of the unit.

"According to authorities, when they entered the apartment unit, they found the body of an adult female.

"For safety reasons, police say they used robotic devices to investigate the rest of the unit. That's when they found the body of an adult male. Authorities say they found weapons in the unit.

"According to police, they are not seeking any suspects in the case and there is no related threat to the public. Residents have been allowed to re-enter the building."

From KARE11.com...

Robot Sees Dead People

"SEBRING, FL — Sheriff's deputies are investigating what is being listed as a murder/suicide for now.

"Identification of the victims is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

"Highlands County Communications Center received a 911 call Tuesday morning from a man stating he had killed his wife and was going to kill himself.

"Deputies arrived at 3407 Baxter Ave. in Sebring but couldn't get an answer at the door.

"The Highlands County Sheriff's Office sent its Crisis Negotiation Team and SWAT Team to attempt to contact the caller, but they also had no success.

"Deputies then got assistance from the State Fire Marshal's office and a bomb-disposal robot to enter the house. The robot's cameras recorded two people dead.

"Sheriff Susan Benton said her office would provide additional information once the family is notified and as the investigation proceeds.

"`These types of cases are difficult for our troops to investigate, given the limited information and the historical outcome of such types of cases,` Benton said.

"Many murder/suicide cases involve a chronic or severe health situation that has left people feeling like they have no control over their future, she said.

"`But we have to wait (in this case) for evidence to come in and the case to speak for itself,` Benton said."

From newssun.com...

Police Robot Finds Body Of Shooter

"LILLEY TOWNSHIP, MI — A West Michigan man killed his wife and adult son before fatally shooting himself, prompting an hours-long search of his property before his body was found, authorities said.

"The body of Charles Mark Hoover, 59, was found Wednesday night inside the family’s home in Lilley Township, about 55 miles north of Grand Rapids, the Newaygo County sheriff’s department. Investigators said they believe he shot to death his wife Marcia and their son, who also was named Charles.

"Authorities are trying to determine what led to the shootings, and the deaths are being investigated as a double murder/suicide.

"`The whole situation is very unfortunate,` said Undersheriff Brian Boyd. `It’s very tragic that it ended this way, but we’re just glad that nobody else got hurt.`

"Law enforcement had responded about 2 p.m. to the home following a report of a shooting and found the bodies of the 62-year-old wife and 37-year-old son outside. No vehicles were missing, and Charles Mark Hoover was believed to be on the property, which has several other buildings.

"Officials set up a perimeter and used a loudspeaker to order anyone inside the home to come out.

"A police robot used to clear the buildings on the property found his body. He had a single self-inflicted gunshot wound, the sheriff’s department said, and his body was found at the top of a stairway of the home.

"`It was very tense,` Boyd said. `We weren’t even sure he was in the residence.`"

From the Chicago Sun-Times...

Bodies Found After Police Standoff

"ANNISTON, AL — Authorities have identified two people found dead following a standoff in Saks Sunday.

"Anniston police Sgt. Chris Sparks said the bodies of Darren Wilson, 52, and Dorris Wilson, 50, were found in their Saks home on Asbury Avenue last night after a six-hour standoff with police.

"Officers arrived on a domestic call around noon following a suspected stabbing. Dorris Wilson's body had stab wounds, Sparks said. There has been no cause of death announced for Darren Wilson.

"The couple's bodies have been sent off for autopsies, Sparks said.

"Police had no voice contact with either person once they arrived on the scene, Sparks said. Police made several attempts to negotiate with no answer. Authorities entered the house after firing tear gas into it and a robotic camera device entered, discovering the bodies."

From al.com...

SWAT Teams Finds Bodies Of Father & Son

"KANSAS SETTLEMENT, AZ — The Cochise County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation after two men were found dead in Kansas Settlement earlier today, after what is believed to be a murder-suicide.

"At about 11:41 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 23, the Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a shooting that had just taken place at a home about 15 miles south of Willcox, said spokeswoman Carol Capas.

"The caller said that she had fled the home immediately after the shooting, and ran to a neighbor’s home for help, she said.

"Sheriff's Deputies responded to the area, along with U.S. Border Patrol units, and found the woman, who was extremely distraught but not injured physically, Capas said.

"The 38-year-old woman said that she and her 62-year-old husband were at their home when her 36-year old stepson came in to `pick up some personal belongings,` she said.

"Once the son was inside the home, he went to the study where his father was seated at his desk, and fired a handgun at him, striking him several times, Capas said.

"The woman said that she ran from the home at that time and did not know whether her stepson was still in the residence, she said.

"Border Patrol launched their helicopter to search in the immediate area while the Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was deployed, Capas said.

"The Sierra Vista Police Department was also contacted to assist with a robotic unit, she said.

"The SWAT team entered the home just before 3 p.m., and found the father deceased, said Capas.

"The son was also found deceased inside the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, she said.

"Additional information will be released as it becomes available, Capas said."

From wilcoxrangenews.com...

Robot Locates Bodies After SWAT Standoff

"RIO, VA — Albemarle County police are now saying the standoff on 2525 Rio Mills Road Wednesday was muder-suicide.

"Police say 44-year-old Frank Davis, Jr. of Rochelle and 50-year-old James `Sonny` Marshall of Albemarle County were killed.

"Police were called to the scene after reports came in of an argument, and that one man had a gun. When police arrived, they found Davis armed inside a garage. Davis pointed a rifle at the officers, and then one officer fired at Davis.

"Police say a SWAT team then arrived to assist, and They used a special piece of equipment known as a tactical camera to view inside the home. They found Marshall dead inside the garage. Soon after, they found Davis dead also, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Albemarle County Chief of Police Steve Sellers said there was no risk to the area. `In terms of community safety and awareness, we had confirmation that we didn't believe the community was at risk,` said Sellers.

"Police are continuing their investigation."

From newsplex.com...

New York Killer Shoots Himself In Florida As Cops Close In

"MIAMI, FL — The man wanted for killing his estranged wife and her beau in a Bronx motel, killed himself yesterday in Miami as authorities attempted to arrest him, sources said.

"Joseph Kernizan, 42, was tracked down to a residence in North Miami by the New York - New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, law enforcement sources said.

"As US Marshals and NYPD detectives were closing in on him just before 11 p.m., Kernizan fired three shots, law enforcement sources [said].

"None of the rounds went through any walls or windows, and none of the pursuing lawmen were hit.

"Authorities sent a robot inside and its video camera captured footage of Kerizan dead of a self-inflicted wound, on the bedroom floor with a small semi-automatic gun by his side, sources said.

"The agencies, working with the Florida - Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, recovered three firearms from the residence—Kernizan’s gun and two fully loaded AK-47s stashed in a duffle bag, sources said.

"Kernizan was wanted for the fatal shootings of his ex, Tracy Bennett, and her boyfriend, Wayne Hamilton.

"The Long Island woman and her reggae-musician lover were shot dead in the parking lot of the Holiday Motel early Saturday, cops and witnesses said.

"Authorities got tips that Kernizan had several friends in Miami, and cops were on the ground there on Monday night, following his pals around town, sources said.

"Officers zeroed in on an apartment building in the 15000 block of Northwest 2nd Avenue in North Miami, where Kenizan was staying with a friend, sources said.

"About 20 US Marshals and officers circled the building and ordered everyone out last night. Kernizan drew the shades on his pal's apartment when cops shouted instructions.

"He then fled out the back of building, but saw he was surrounded and dashed back inside and locked the door, sources said.

"Kernizan's friend walked out and gave himself up 10 minutes later, leaving the gunman inside for his final minutes of life. He never verbally responded to any commands shouted by police outside.

"The gutless killer went out on his terms—unlike his victims who were gunned down in cold blood at the Holiday Motel in the Bronx early Saturday morning."

From The New York Post...

Sheriff's Robot Finds 2 Dead, 1 Alive

"YUMA, AZ — The Yuma County Sheriff's Office [says] two people are dead after an apparent murder suicide.

"YCSO says it received a call in reference to a domestic violence situation Wednesday at 4:14 a.m. on the 11800 Block of Calle Gaudi in Yuma. The caller told sheriff's deputies her brother had told her he killed his girlfriend and was going to kill himself.

"When Deputies arrived a perimeter was established and a neighboring house was evacuated. After attempts to establish contact with occupants of the residence failed, a robot was sent in through the back door. The robot located a male subject inside the residence, deceased. Deputies entered and secured the residence while the robot continued ahead, searching room by room. A deceased female was located in another room of the residence.

"An 11-year-old girl was also found inside the residence with no apparent injuries. She was removed from the house and turned over to Rural Metro personnel on scene, and a victim’s advocate from Amberly’s Place.

"Sheriff’s Office Investigatrors are currently working to notify next of kin and locate a family member to take custody of the girl

"Both deceased subjects had sustained a gunshot wound. This case is currently under investigation but preliminary indications are that the female was shot by the male subject who then used the gun on himself."

From KYMA.com...

Killer May Have Called Sheriff's Department

"RIO LINDA, CA — A woman found shot dead inside a home in Sacramento County, and a man found dead about five miles away inside another home were dating, according to investigators.

"Around 6 p.m. Thursday night, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputies got a call about a homicide in Rio Linda. Investigators went to the home along Altoona Court and found 54-year-old Darrilynn Groth dead inside. She had a gunshot wound to her head.

"The person who called authorities also reported the man responsible for the shooting had driven to another location, and was talking about suicide.

"Deputies tracked the shooting suspect to an area of Arden Arcade along Los Molinos Way. Neighbors were removed from the area for a few hours as crews moved in around the home.

"Around 10 p.m., a robot device was sent inside the home and found a man in his 50’s dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Investigators say they are confidant the man inside the home is the person responsible for Groth’s death. They believe the two were in a relationship, but they do not know what happened before the shooting.

"The identity of the man has not been released at this time. Investigators think the initial caller may have been the man himself."

From KTXL-TV...

SWAT Robot Finds Bodies Of Murder/Suicide Victims

"HOUSTON, TX — A SWAT team found two bodies inside a southeast Houston home this morning.

"They went to the house on 8211 Glenheath after a man called police around 1am and said he had killed his wife.

"The team sent in a robot camera after a standoff that lasted two hours. The camera showed a man and woman dead in the master bedroom.

"Officers were able to enter the home and found the bodies. Police say the man appears to have been the aggressor and the dead woman was his wife.

"Police have not released the the names of the man and woman, but they confirm the man was a retired Houston firefighter.

"Officers found a loaded gun in the home, but the causes of their deaths are pending autopsies."

From KTRK...

SWAT Robot Finds Bodies Of Dead Couple

"HENDERSON, NV — A Henderson man fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself late Tuesday night, police said.

"Henderson Police spokesman Keith Paul said the man called 911 shortly before midnight to report that he had just killed his wife and was going to commit suicide. He then hung up the phone.

"Police responded to the home at 2338 Thayer Avenue, near Windmill and Green Valley parkways, and tried to make contact with the man, Paul said.

"Officers knocked on the door and used a public-address system before the department’s SWAT unit arrived and sent a robot inside, Paul said.

"The robot found two deceased people, who were later identified as the husband and wife, Paul said. No other people were inside the home.

"It appears both died from gunshot wounds, with the man’s being self-inflicted, Paul said. The Clark County Coroner’s Office will identify the couple pending notification of their relatives."

From the Las Vegas Sun...

UPDATE:

04/11/2012 — Three dogs were also victims...

RETRACTED:

Restraining Order Didn't Stop Shooter

UPDATE:
"What was thought to be a murder-suicide involving an ex-husband and wife on Thursday left detectives scratching their heads as they raced to determine whether the man had killed himself or was shot dead by somebody else.

"It was shortly after 1 p.m. on Thursday when 48-year-old Juan De Jesus Martinez was served with a subpoena for a court hearing after his ex-wife, Martha C. Aguilar, filed for a restraining order. He sat home alone for about 15 minutes fuming over the served subpoena.

"Within minutes, the 55-year-old Aguilar returned with her son, 22-year-old Julian Lopez.

"An argument ensued between De Jesus and Aguilar, which ended when De Jesus shot Aguilar with a shotgun, said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Aguilar was found dead behind a Lake Worth business in the 700 block of North Dixie Highway.

"De Jesus then ran to his car, but detectives have not released additional information that reveals whether he was trying to flee or trying to hide.

"At some point, however, De Jesus noticed Lopez and another witness standing by. He turned his shotgun at them, but was shot and killed by Lopez immediately, deputy Eric Davis, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office, said in a prepared statement late Thursday night.

"Lopez is not being charged because he was forced to defend himself, Davis added."

Source: Sun-Sentinel...

ORIGINAL STORY...

"LAKE WORTH, FL — A woman and her estranged husband in are dead in an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

"Deputies responded to a shooting this afternoon at a house at 721 N. Dixie Highway, where they found Martha Aguilar, 55, shot to death in a parking lot near her home. At about 3:30 p.m., deputies used a robot to check the family car outside the couple's two-story home and found the woman's husband, Juan Ramon de Jesus Martinez, dead inside.

"The couple was in the process of getting a divorce, said Sheriff's Office spokesman Eric Davis.

"Only about 15 minutes before Aguilar was shot, her 48-year-old husband had been served with a domestic violence restraining order. That prompted an argument that led to the shooting, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.

"`There's no danger to the public. We're satisfied that we've got the incident locked down to this area. There's a little bit of mystery going on here. We know he's dead; we just have to figure out exactly how it happened,` Bradshaw said."

From The Palm Beach Post...

SWAT Robot Finds Elderly Couple, Cat Dead

"LITTLE TORCH KEY, FL — An elderly man shot his wheelchair-bound wife and cat and then killed himself in their Florida Keys home Wednesday in what appears to be a murder-suicide, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

"Joan Tucker, 77, was killed of the first floor of her home on quiet Tortuga Road on Little Torch Key, a small island about 25 miles from Key West.

"Detectives believe she was shot by her husband, Glen Tucker, 81, who was found dead in an upstairs bedroom, along with the couple’s cat.

"A neighbor called police about 12 p.m., reporting he heard shots fired. Monroe County deputies responded, but did not immediately enter the brown house fearing an armed suspect could be inside.

"The Sheriff’s Office bomb squad sent a robot inside the house to determine the situation. Shortly after 1 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team entered and found the dead couple.

"Motives for the killings were not immediately known, according to the Sheriff’s Office."

Source: Miami Herald...

UPDATE

09/27/2012 — Six page backstory on this incident...

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...

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...

Bitter Divorce Leaves Three Dead

"SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST, CA — A Northern California man accused of following his wife and her lawyer from court to a resort restaurant during a break from divorce proceedings, then fatally shooting both of them, was found dead at his home early Thursday following a nearly 12-hour standoff, a sheriff's spokeswoman said.

"James Williamson allegedly shot his estranged wife, 65-year-old Sandra Williamson, and her Fresno-based attorney on Wednesday as the two were leaving Ducey's on the Lake, a restaurant near the Sierra National Forest in the unincorporated Madera County community of Bass Lake.

"The 71-year-old Williamson confronted the two women at about 1 p.m. Wednesday and began beating the lawyer, 65-year-old Judith Soley, Madera County sheriff's spokeswoman Erica Stuart said. He then shot Soley and chased his estranged wife into the restaurant, shooting her near the restaurant kitchen, she said.

"Williamson fled to his home, about three miles from the restaurant, after the shooting, Stuart said.

"The Madera County Regional SWAT Team searched the house with a robot and threw tear gas inside after numerous attempts to communicate with Williamson. Deputies stormed the home after midnight and found Williamson's body on a bed in one of the bedrooms with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, Stuart said."

From MercuryNews.com...

Protective Order Never Served

"HARTFORD, KY — Two people are dead after a murder/suicide in Western Kentucky on Wednesday.

"It all started Wednesday morning in Hartford.

"Kentucky State Police received a call at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday from Hartford Police Department requesting investigation of an attempted murder.

"Hartford Police arrived at 427 E. Frederica Street in Hartford and found Barbara Ward, 66, of Hartford, lying outside with an apparent gunshot wound.

"Barbara died a short time later at the Ohio County Hospital.

"Officers from multiple agencies immediately began looking for her estranged husband, Carl Ward.

"The Daviess County Sheriff's Office [said] that Barbara had filed for a protective order against Carl earlier this month.

"The order had not been served because officers couldn't locate Carl to serve him.

"After the shooting, officers began a search for Carl that led them to his mother's house on KY 279 in West Louisville.

"According to KSP, Carl's body was discovered after they placed a robot inside the home to search the premises.

"Daviess County Coroner Bob Howe says Carl died of a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"Deputies [said] that Carl had a history of violence.

"Daviess County Sheriff's Office says Carl was charged with first degree assault in 1977.

"Deputies say Ward shot his ex wife and a man at their home in Daviess County.

"The investigation is ongoing."

From 14WFIE.com...