Published: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 2:25 PM Updated: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 2:28 PM
Carol Robinson -- The Birmingham News
Authorities in St. Clair County are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide in the Pinedale community.
A man and a woman were found dead today at an upscale home and horse farm where high-dollar dogs also were bred, said St. Clair County Coroner Dennis Russell.
They have not identified the bodies, but believe the couple to be the 61-year-old man and 53-year-old woman who lived there.
A volunteer firefighter was passing by the home just before 7:30 a.m. when he spotted the fire and stopped to help, said St. Clair County Sheriff Terry Surles. When the firefighter got out of his vehicle to look around, he saw a man walk into the barn and moments later heard a gunshot.
Sheriff's deputies and firefighters found the body of the woman inside the home, which was destroyed by the blaze.
Surles said investigators are interviewing family members to try to put together a picture of what led to the crime.
"I believe that's going to help us a lot," Surles said, who was not immediately aware of any ongoing family problems. "We absolutely see no sign of that, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors."
Russell said the bodies were taken to the coroner's office in Pell City and would be transferred to the state forensics lab in Huntsville. Authorities said they hope to confirm the identities and cause of death of the woman by midday Friday.
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