2 found dead inside Punta Gorda home in murder-suicide

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Evidence suggests the deaths of two people found inside a home on the 1200 block of Royal Tern Drive Thursday is a murder-suicide, the Punta Gorda Police Department said Friday.

The bodies were found just after 4 p.m. when police responded to a caller’s request to check on the residents, authorities said.

The identity of the two deceased persons has not been released at this time. Neighbors said a couple lived in the home for the last 18 years. They were from Switzerland, neighbors said.

“We came home yesterday from being out with friends all day and we were shocked to see all the police cars,” said neighbor Leo Saluto.

Both deceased persons are believed to have suffered a single gunshot wound to the head, police said.

Shutters at the home were closed at the time of the discovery, but one neighbor said the shutters have been closed for at least two weeks. Two weeks ago was the last time they had seen the couple. Neighbors said the wife told them they were leaving on vacation.

“We assumed when we saw the shutters down that they were making plans to go somewhere and do something,” Saluto added.

There is no indication at this time that residents have a reason to be concerned for their safety, police said.

No further details were immediately available.

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