CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — A couple is dead in Chesapeake after an apparent murder-suicide Tuesday, police say.
Chesapeake Police responded to a home in the 400 block of Rutgers Avenue around 2 p.m. after a call about an injured person.
When they got there, they found 48-year-old Vicki Thomas dead from what investigators say were apparent gunshot wounds.
After further investigation, authorities were able to identify 58-year-old Henry Thomas, Vicki Thomas’ husband, as the suspect and found him at a home in the 2800 block of Southport Avenue around 8 p.m. that evening.
As officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, they heard a gunshot come from inside the house.
Henry Thomas suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries.
According to reports, investigators believe the incident was a result of a domestic dispute, which led Thomas to shooting and killing his wife and later taking his own life.
Neighbors said they never thought it would go this far.
“It just shocked the hell out of me that’s all,” said Anderson Bell, who saw police and tape surrounding the Thomas home.
“I never would have thought nothing like this would happen right here in the neighborhood. You have your differences and stuff you know, but if you can’t get along with somebody just move the hell on,” Anderson said.
“It’s just heartbreaking to have something like this happen right here in my own home basically almost,” Anderson said he mourns for Vicki Thomas, who he considered a friend.
“Quiet to herself, but she was very kind and gentle,” he said of Vicki.
He never knew Henry.
“I just waved at him, never really had a conversation with him,” he said.
But Anderson says there was always something off about Henry Thomas.
“I understand back years ago when they lived in the other house where he shot himself at. When she was a member of cathedral my wife would take her home from time to time. He would be there with two cars in the yard and not pick her up from church and stuff like that. I understand he was kinda mean to her.”
The incident is currently under investigation.
Check with WAVY.com for the latest updates.
