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June 1, 2009

Police probing murder-suicide

Husband, estranged wife found in camper

By Rich Flowers News Editor

An estranged husband and wife were found shot to death Sunday in an apparent murder-suicide, Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt said.

Sheriff’s office reports identified the deceased as 50-year-old Marc McRae and his estranged wife, Lori McRae, 46.

HCSO dispatch received a call at 8 a.m. Sunday reporting the deaths. James McRae, Marc’s father, told authorities that he discovered the bodies in a camper parked in a wooded area on property near County Road 4712, between Athens and LaRue.

HCSO Investigator Wick Gabbard said Marc McRae had been living alone in the camper during the couples’ estrangement. Lori reportedly visited on occasion and had gone to the property some time Saturday.

“The last information we have is they both spoke to sometime on their cell phones after 5 p.m.,” Gabbard said.

Evidence at the camper indicated that Marc McRae shot his estranged wife with a .22-caliber rifle then turned the weapon on himself, committing suicide. Gabbard said there was no sign of a struggle in the camper and no suicide note.

“We’re still investigating,” Gabbard said. “It’s still all coming together.”

The couple has one child, Gabbard said — a 12-year-old girl, who was at her grandparents house at the time of the deaths.

Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace Milton Adams was dispatched to the camper. Adams ordered the bodies transported to Southwest institute of Forensic Science in Dallas for autopsies.

Nutt, Major Kevin Hanes, Captain Kay Langford and Lt. Botie Hillhouse were also present at the scene Sunday to assist.

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