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.

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