Couple, Man Killed In Apparent Double Murder, Suicide In Idaho

A local couple and another man were killed early Friday in what investigators said apparently was a double murder and suicide.

Richard Choate, 37, and his wife, Chery Choate, 36, and a man whose identity was being withheld pending notification of relatives, were shot to death at the Choates’ home at about 1:30 a.m.

Cassia County Sheriff’s Lt. Jim Higens said it appeared that Richard Choate died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after shooting his wife and the other man, who was a family friend.

Higens said he was unaware of a possible motive.

Investigators said a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol were used in the shootings. Higens said other Choate family members, including teenagers, were present at the time and phoned 911.