‘It’s a real sad story’
Conception Bay South community shocked, saddened by deaths of man, woman on normally quiet street
The Christmas lawn ornaments are meticulously placed around the lawn and the front steps are lined with colourful lights.
But on a quiet Sunday morning, there was a sombre feeling at 45 Roberts Road in Conception Bay South, where a man and woman, both in their 50s, were found dead the evening before.
The most noticeable trimming at the property on Sunday was the yellow police tape, which wrapped the property.
Two Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary cars were parked in the driveway in front the house, while another was in a driveway at a house on back of the house, on Red Oake Place.
While the cause of their deaths has not yet been officially pronounced, The Telegram sources report it was a murder-suicide.
The news has left the community in horror.
“My God, it’s unbelievable,” said a woman, who was walking nearby, but didn’t want to be identified.
“I didn’t know (the couple who died), but knowing it happened so close is scary.
“It’s usually pretty quiet around here. Not much on the go. But you just never know what goes on.
“It’s really too bad, this happening just before Christmas.”
Conception Bay South Mayor Terry French agreed it came as a shock and expressed condolences to the couple’s family and friends.
“The first place my mind went was to the people’s family,” French said. “Losing someone any time of the year is bad, but this time of year, it just amplifies it even more. I can’t image what they’re going through, having to deal with this.
“It’s a really sad story … It’s just terrible. I really feel for them.”
He said the effects of the incident can be felt from one end of the town to the other.
“We’re a big in size, but we’re still very much a rural community in a whole lot of ways. So, there’s not much that can happen that people don’t know about it …” French said.
“I don’t know what happened, but some of these things can just never be explained.”
INVESTIGATION ONGOING
In a news release, the RNC indicated that they had responded to a request for assistance at the house. Officers found the deceased adults on the property shortly after arriving. Members of the RNC forensic identification services and major crime unit showed up soon after.
The investigation into the deaths is ongoing. Police say investigators will work with the office of the chief medical examiner to confirm the cause of the deaths.
However, the RNC said it’s believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no further public safety concern.
“The RNC extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the news release stated.
Investigators are asking that anyone with information which may assist to contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Information can also be provided anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimstoppers.com.