Charlotte, NC: Police close west Charlotte case after determining it was a murder-suicide

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —

Nineteen days after Clyde and Ida Valentine were found dead in a home off Swift Arrow Lane, CMPD has closed the case, confirming it was a murder-suicide.

“We've concluded that Mr. Valentine did shoot and kill Mrs. Valentine and then turned the weapon himself and killed himself,” Major Johnny Jennings said.

Jennings said he met with the surviving family so they would have answers before the holidays.

“It’s always difficult and it’s something you never get used to,” he said.

Jennings said there was no suicide note but documents found in the house confirmed Mr. Valentine planned to kill himself.

His true motive is still a mystery.

“He had a lot of things that were heavy on his mind and a lot of things to think about that was going on his life, but as far as the motive for why he would do something like this -- that is only something that he would know,” Jennings said.

We do know that Clyde Valentine was facing charges for statutory rape and indecent liberties with a minor, believed to be a relative. He had been fired from his teaching job at Phillip O. Berry High School and had previously obtained a domestic violence protective order against one of his sons.

It was a tragic end to a disturbing series of events for the family.

“I'm sure this is something that closes this chapter and allows them to move on,” Jennings said. “Unfortunately it's not the type of thing we like to do but it is necessary, that we do close this investigation.”