OTTUMWA, IOWA --
The Ottumwa Police Department has released the names of the victims in the apparent murder-suicide Thursday night.
According to police William Olen Gardne,47r shot his wife, Deborah Sue Gardner,46 before turning the gun on himself. Police responded after receiving a call at 11:24 p.m. Thursday of a report of a shooting at 936 Ingersoll Street. Both were announced dead on the scene.
Ottumwa Police Chief, Jim Clark, says his department never encountered problems at the home before Thursday.
“We've not responded to that location before,” said Clark. “We've not had any that we're aware of any problems before regarding problems between the two.”
Clark says Mr. Gardner left his home after shooting his wife.
“The husband did leave the house after [shooting his wife] went and spoke to a friend, bought a friend back to the house, explained what happened and then he went into the backyard. The friend ended up calling his wife to call the police as to what occurred and then that friend was in the driveway waiting for the officers when they arrived.”
There has been an increase in suicides in the Ottumwa area and Clark says people who need help should get it.
“I haven’t seen this many in since I’ve been here. I would encourage people if they’re feeling depressed if they have feelings of hopelessness, they need to go talk to someone.”
An autopsy will be conducted on both of the victims.
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