Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wichita, KS: Couple found shot to death in South Wichita home

May 10, 9:15 AM · Dan O'Neal - Wichita Headlines Examiner

A Wichita couple in their 60's were discovered in their South Wichita home by their daughter Sunday, dead of an apparent homicide-suicide. The daughter, along with several younger children, also relatives, was in the home during the time of the incident, but no one reported hearing gunfire.

Wichita Police were called at around 1:00 p.m. and found a gun inside the house in the 3400 block of S. Everett. Investigators say they believe the husband and wife were the only people involved. While they speculate it could be a murder/suicide, the official cause of death has not been determined.

A young woman walking away from the scene, identified herself as a grand daughter, but was too distraught to talk, only saying, “they are my grandparents.”

Police are also investigating how many shots were fired in the bedroom and say it's possible the initial shooting may have been accidental. More information from the investigation is expected to be released later Monday.

Update: Couple identified

Monday morning Wichita police identified the couple as Gene Whitmore, 70 and his Wife Betty Whitmore, 66.

Officials said Whitmore had been recently depressed since loosing his job a year ago. He was fully dressed, lying in bed beside his wife, when he shot himself around 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

The bullet from Whitmore’s handgun also struck his wife, who was sleeping next to him. The case is now being considered a suicide and accidental homicide. Investigators commented that it was unlike anything they had seen before.

Police say Betty Whitmore's daughter, her daughter's 11 year-old son, and her two young nieces were home at the time, but did not hear the gunshot. The daughter went to check on her mother and stepfather about 1:00p.m. Sunday afternoon and discovered the bodies.

Autopsy results are still pending

No comments: