Police say a shooting death in Stockbridge is likely a murder-suicide attempt between a husband and wife.
During a Tuesday press conference, the Ingham County Sheriff's Office identified the woman found dead Monday with a gunshot wound as 55-year-old Peggy Ila Curry. Her husband 61-year-old James Robert Curry remains in critical condition at Sparrow Hospital.
Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth says police were called to the home by the Department of Human Services. The agency was concerned when an always reliable employee didn't show up for work.
"Officers entered the house and discovered a chaotic scene, a dead woman laying on a bed along with a male," Wriggelsworth said.
Detectives say the couple's injuries lead them to believe James Curry shot his wife, then turned the gun on himself.
"Her wound was to the head, his was under his chin which would be stereotypical for a murder suicide," Wriggelsworth explained.
Police found the gun used in the shooting inside the home. Dozens of other guns were also inside. Detectives believe James Curry was a collector.
Investigators are still working out a timeline, but say the shooting happened sometime over the weekend. Peggy Curry was last seen late Friday.
"Knowing the couple they seem like a wonderful couple, caring couple, loving couple," neighbor Betty Phillips said. "Did not expect anything like this."
The Curry's had been married four years. Detectives say James is a Vietnam veteran, who may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"If that's the case, how long has he had it?" Wriggelsworth said. "Is this an onset thing that just recently occured? We don't know."
The sheriff's office says James Curry is gravely wounded. The office will only pass its case to the county prosecutor for possible charges if Curry survives.
DHS released a statement about the shooting Tuesday, saying the department family is saddened by Peggy Curry's tragic death.
"Peggy was in important part of the team in child welfare, working with adoption and before that in juvenile justice," Maura Corrigan, Director of DHS said. "Peggy had a passion for her work and helping people. She will be greatly missed."
The State Crime Lab was at the couple's N. Main Street home until 3:00 a.m. Tuesday collecting evidence.
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