NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A death investigation is underway after two people in their 70s were found shot to death in a Newport News Monday evening, authorities confirmed.
Shortly after 6 p.m., Newport News police responded to Canterbury Run for a reported shooting.
At the scene, officers found a 76-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man each suffering from a single gunshot wound. Both died at the scene.
A Newport News police spokesperson says that the investigation is classified as a murder-suicide, but has not released more information on the suspect or details about the crime.
A neighbor, Odessa White said the couple were husband and wife.
“I was just stunned,” White said. “All I could do was scream. I just said, ‘Oh! Oh! Oh!’ Because they were such nice people and for this to happen – and you don’t know all the pieces to the puzzle that put them in that state of mind. It’s just sad.”
She said the news of their death is a shock.
“They were a very nice couple, very quiet,” White said. “We all would just meet in the street and talk, have a nice conversation, it’s just shocking.”
Another neighbor, Margie also described the couple as quiet and kind.
“They were very friendly. Beautiful people. Beautiful,” she said. “It hurts. Last night I didn’t break down but the reality is hitting. I just can’t imagine them gone.”
She said she was friends with the couple and would often help the older couple with yard work.
“I’m just reeling,” she said “I know they were both in poor health and they needed some assistance in lifting things and the yardwork.”
Another neighbor, Al Lipscomb said he noticed a large police presence outside the home, Monday night
“I wondered what had happened but when I saw them put the tape up, I knew it was a homicide then,” he said. “Nice couple as far as I know.”