KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Police are investigating the deaths of a husband and wife in Klamath Falls this week, the result of an apparent murder-suicide.
Klamath Falls Police responded on Wednesday to reports of a possible suicide at 101 Lincoln Street. A family member reported going to the house to check on a husband and wife there, finding them both dead.
At the home, officers confirmed that two people were dead, with the interior of the home betraying signs of a fight. Detectives quickly took over the investigation.
Detectives asked for assistance from the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, and teams from the state agency arrived early Thursday morning to aid in the investigation. OSP also sent a reconstructionist to examine the crime scene.
According to KFPD, detectives found the body of 41-year-old Sonia Stanley in the hallway of the home with a fatal gunshot wound. The body of her husband, 53-year-old Richard Bellm, was found in the bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound that investigators believe was self-inflicted.
"Over the course of the investigation, detectives learned Richard Bellm and Sonia Stanley had been married for approximately 18 years," KFPD said. "Detectives also learned the couple had a history of domestic violence, and alcohol is believed to be involved."
The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective LaBeads Yahwhee at 541-883-5336 or call the anonymous tip line at 541-883-5334.
