Monday, June 20, 2011

Winston-Salem, NC: Man, Estranged Wife Dead After Murder-Suicide in Winston-Salem

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP)— Police said a man and his estranged wife are both dead after a murder-suicide in Winston-Salem.

Shots were heard coming from a home at 5660 Stone Crossing Drive near Country Club Drive just minutes after 2 p.m.

Responding officers found Monika Mittal, 33, shot to death outside the front door of her home, Lt. Rob Cozart with Winston-Salem Police said.

A SWAT team responded to the scene and attempted to communicate with Sandeep Mittal, 42, who was still inside the home.

The SWAT team forced their way inside around 4 p.m. and found Sandeep had fatally shot himself, Cozart said.

Detectives allege Sandeep, who just had a birthday four days ago, shot his estranged wife multiple times before turning the gun on himself.

The couple's 5-year-old daughter was inside the home while the incident took place, Cozart said.

The girl, who was not physically injured, is now in custody of Child Protective Services.

The couple had been living together until about two months ago and were recently going through a domestic dispute, Cozart said.

The street has been closed to traffic as detectives investigate the scene. There was no word as to when it will reopen.

"Our goal is to make sure everyone is safe and stabilize the situation. Most of the residents were asked to stay inside of their homes. Evacuation was not an option at the time," Cozart said.

Police are investigating. No additional suspects are sought in connection with the incident.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call Winston-Salem Police at (336) 773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800.

The incident marks the 7th homicide in Winston-Salem in 2011, four more as compared to the same date from 2010.

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