Couple dead in murder-suicide in Gaston County, police say

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man and women are dead following a shooting at a home near Dallas on Saturday morning, according to the Gaston County Police Department.

Officers told Channel 9′s Ken Lemon a husband killed his wife before shooting himself. The couple was recently estranged, authorities said.

The shooting happened before 6 a.m. at a residence on Mountain Meadows Drive off Dallas Cherryville Highway, police said.

Gaston police identified the victim as Michelle Marcinkus Walter and the suspect as Johnnie Andrew Walter Jr.

Neighbors told Channel 9 the couple had a long marriage and they were stunned by the tragedy.

“Me and the wife went to dinner with them once, (they were) just great neighbors,” the man said. “Very good people.”

Officers said the investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information was asked to call detectives at 704-866-3320 or crime stoppers at 704-861-8000.

This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.

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