Elderly couple's deaths may be murder-suicide

SMITHFIELD, Cache County — Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after an elderly couple facing some serious medical problems were found dead in their home.

Smithfield Police Chief Johnny McCoy said his dispatch received a 911 call from the 89-year-old husband who told police that he had just shot and killed his 85-year-old wife and intended to shoot himself. When dispatch lost contact with the man, McCoy said, police and a SWAT team were sent to make contact at the home.

Getting no answer, McCoy said officers entered the home to find the man and woman dead with a revolver found near their bodies. Both bodies have been taken to the state medical examiner's office for further investigation.

Police identified the couple as Robert and Ernestine Stoutenburg. A preliminary investigation showed the couple had been dealing with serious medical issues and had left a note explaining their actions. Details of the note were not released Saturday evening, pending further investigation.

McCoy said neighbors have told him the couple were known to be very friendly and were always willing to reach out to help others.