Sunday, July 17, 2011

Eatonville, WA: Man, woman found dead in apparent murder-suicide

EATONVILLE, Wash. - A man and woman were found dead Friday at a home near Eatonville in an apparent murder-suicide, Pierce County officials said.

Law enforcement personnel responded to the scene, in the 38200 block of 112th Avenue East, around 1:30 p.m. on Friday. The site is near Ohop Lake and the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.

Detectives say a family member made the gruesome discovery of the dead man and woman inside and called police.

The couple was later identified by the King County Medical Examiner as Charles Longland, 70, and Petra Longland, 67.

Investigators say all signs point to a murder-suicide - the murder weapon was found in the home and the rest of the home looked untouched.

Detectives say the homeowner was retired military who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"He was struggling with some issues," said neighbor Russ Thompson. "Don't know what exactly. My wife went over there one night and talked him out of killing himself."

Detectives are continuing their investigation.

The cause of the couple's deaths was not immediately released.

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