Tuesday, December 6, 2011

St. Johnsbury, VT: Police: St. Johnsbury couple found dead were victims of murder-suicide

St. Johnsbury police say a couple found dead in their home Monday afternoon were victims of a murder-suicide.

Police say David Birch, 55, shot himself after killing his wife, Penny Birch, 50, at 121 Caledonia St.

Police obtained a search warrant to enter the home after police were unable to contact Penny Birch, who a friend had said didn't show up for a meeting Sunday afternoon.

Police found the couple at about 3:30 p.m. Monday on the living room floor.
Friends and family said the couple had experienced financial hardships and David Birch had been violent toward his wife, according to police. Police said Penny Birch expressed plans to leave her husband.

No comments: