Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Dyer, IN: Cops: Dyer deaths likely murder-suicide

DYER Rhonda Neher was always on time to her job as an office manager at Chiropractic Sport and Spine Center in Schererville.

So when she didn't show up to her job Monday morning, her boss, Gunnar Carlson, grew concerned and alerted family members. They called police to request officers check Neher's house in the 2500 block of Sycamore Drive.

Police discovered Neher, 45, and her husband, Larry Neher, 58, dead in the kitchen of their house Monday in what is being investigated as a potential murder-suicide.

Rhonda Neher was stabbed in the chest in an apparent homicide, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Larry Neher is believed to have committed suicide by shooting himself in the head, according to a release from the coroner's office.

Dyer police Detective Sgt. Don Foley said police have learned that there may have been talk of separation between the husband and wife, but neither had made legal filings.

Rhonda Neher's sister, Glenda Richards, remembered her Tuesday as happy-go-lucky and driven. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society and numerous other charities, Richards said.

She also was an avid scuba diver — a passion that took her to Belize and Hondouras.

“I just choose to remember her as happy and smiling,” Richards said, “always doing something.”

Rhonda Neher was the youngest of four girls and met Larry Neher because their mothers drove school buses together and were friends.

Larry Neher suffered from manic depression, Richards said.

But Richards said the family loved her sister's husband and didn't know of any significant problems.

“There are no words to describe the hell his family is going through and the hell our family is going through,” Richards said.

“They had problems the same as anybody else," she said. "Life happens and one thing leads to another, and you work it out or you don't.”

Carlson remembered Rhonda Neher on Tuesday for her bright personality, which made her relate well to patients.

“She was one of the most happy, cheerful people you'll ever meet in your life,” Carlson said.

Police said the Nehers may have been dead for two days. Foley said police have found no indication that anyone else was involved in the deaths besides the two people inside the residence.

Foley said police will know more once autopsies are complete, which should occur today.

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