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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Valley couple found dead

Police are investigating what they believe may be a murder-suicide after a couple was found dead in their Spokane Valley home this afternoon from apparent gunshot wounds. The couple’s daughter called police about 3:40 p.m., after finding her 78-year-old mother dead in her bed in the 10300 block of East 48th Avenue. The woman was suffering from terminal dementia, said Sgt. Dave Reagan, Spokane Valley Police spokesman. The 70-year-old husband had been providing round-the-clock care for his wife, who was just released from the hospital a few weeks ago, Reagan said. She had become increasingly difficult to care for in recent weeks, Reagan said. The husband was found dead in a chair with a pistol in his lap. Detectives said the couple’s financial papers had all been laid out, Reagan said. Authorities will open a homicide investigation, although they think it is most likely a murder-suicide, Reagan said.