Delaware State Police are investigating a murder, suicide in Bridgeville after a 71-year-old man was found shot to death and his brother-in-law dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to the Delaware State Police Department, the incident occurred around 10:45 p.m., Thursday when troopers were dispatched to the 100 block of Emily’s Pintail Drive for reports of a shooting.
Prior to the arrival of police, investigators determined the homeowners, a 71-year-old male victim and his wife, had returned to their residence around 9:30 p.m., at which time police say the woman was in the first floor bathroom when she heard footsteps on the second floor, where her 58-year-old brother stayed.
Immediately after hearing the footsteps, police say the woman then reportedly heard a loud bang. When she came out of the bathroom, she discovered her husband in the family room with an apparent gunshot wound. Shen then allegedly ran to a neighbor’s house where police were called.
Troopers arrived and located the 71-year-old male victim deceased in the family room with an apparent gunshot wound, according to police. They then searched the home and located the 58-year-old male suspect deceased upstairs in his bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The bodies have been turned over to the Division of Forensic Science where an autopsy will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is continuing their investigation into this suspected murder/suicide incident and there is no concern for public safety. No motive has been established at this time.