Chandler couple dead in apparent murder-suicide, police say

PHOENIX – Authorities believe a Chandler man fatally shot his wife Sunday morning before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide at the couple’s home.

Sheldon Butler, 76, and Linda Butler, 74, were found dead around 6:30 a.m., each with what appeared to be a single gunshot wound, inside their house near Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway, the Chandler Police Department said in a press release.

Officers responded to the residence after Sheldon Butler called and reported that he’d shot his wife, police said.

When nobody answered the door, a team of officers went inside and found the bodies.

Ballistics testing was being conducted on a gun found at the scene, police said.

The motive for the shootings is unknown, police said. No other details were made available.

Related

Mesa father accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old son at family homeSon arrested in deadly shooting of 60-year-old Phoenix womanGlendale firefighters deliver endangered birthday cakes after grocery store blaze‘T-bone type’ crash in Scottsdale leaves 1 dead, 1 in critical condition, police sayArizona Humane Society sends out urgent plea ahead of free adoption eventThe 233 Suites hotel celebrates debut in downtown Mesa