Authorities investigate murder suicide at Catawba Co. apartment

LONG VIEW, N.C. — Police were conducting a death investigation early Sunday morning after a couple was found dead inside an apartment in Long View.

Investigators have released that they now believe this was a murder suicide.

Authorities responded to a report of an assault and shooting around 1 a.m. at the Hilltop Apartments on 19th Street NW.

They found Marquis Lineberger and Shanice Williams dead inside one of the units. Friends who came to the apartments Sunday morning told Channel 9 that the two were dating.

Friend Chelsea Gore lives next door to Williams.

"It's really hard coming home knowing that she's not coming back anymore," friend Gore said.

Police told Channel 9 that a three-year-old girl was also in the apartment but that it was not hurt.

"I'm just hoping she didn't hear,” Gore said. “I absolutely hope she does forget about it."

"You know, it really broke my heart to know that she was sitting in the midst of all that," Glass said.

Breaking Long View- death investigation underway after couple found dead inside Hilltop apartments. Young child was not harmed. pic.twitter.com/3FYXyF5VZz

Authorities said the child is with other family members Monday.

Police said they did recover a handgun from the apartment and hope to release more details on the case Monday morning.

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