Gunman In Apparent Murder-Suicide Was Former Special Ed Teacher, Part-Time Police Officer

WTOV9.com

Posted: 4:24 pm EDT July 24, 2009Updated: 11:36 pm EDT July 24, 2009

The gunman who police believe was behind an apparent murder-suicide was a part-time police officer and former school administrator who worked with special-education students.

Police said they believed Frank Koci shot and killed his wife, Bonnie, at their home on Noon Road near Bethesda, then turned the gun on himself.

Most recently, Bonnie Koci taught kindergarten in the Union Local School District. Frank Koci was a school administrator in Barnesville and Union Local. He retired two years ago and served as a part-time police officer in Bethesda, investigators said.

Police said they went to the Kocis' home Thursday evening. They said the couple started arguing while they were on the phone with their daughter. Their daughter called 911, and sheriff's deputies responded to what they called a domestic situation.

Authorities said the couple had stopped fighting by the time law enforcement arrived. The deputies then left the home.

About an hour later, a family member found the couple dead.

Sheriff Fred Thompson said both victims were found in the living room with had single gunshot wounds. Thompson said it appears both died instantly.

The sheriff said Bonnie Koci apparently had packed her bags to leave when she was shot and killed. A suitcase was found near her body.

Thompson said a semiautomatic handgun lay at Frank Koci's feet.

The shootings remain under investigation. Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories:

• July 24, 2009: Retired Kindergarten Teacher, Husband Killed In Apparent Murder-Suicide
• July 24, 2009: Sheriff Investigates Apparent Murder-Suicide