Authorities in Oregon believe that a murder-suicide may be the cause of two recent deaths in Washington County, according to the local news outlet KOIN 6.
The incident occurred at a home located near Northwest Oxbridge Drive and Northwest Forest Spring Lane.
The crime scene
Authorities were called to the scene around 2 p.m. on Thursday. The 911 call was made by a passerby who noticed a woman on the ground in the front yard of the residence.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office proceeded to conduct a welfare check, and this is when they found two unconscious individuals, one man, and one woman, at the house. Both individuals were determined to have already been deceased.
The Washington County Sheriff’s office proceeded to do a preliminary investigation. And, based on what they found, they believe that the deaths may be the result of a murder-suicide.
A firearm was located at the scene.
New information
At first, it was only being reported that authorities found two individuals dead. But, we now know the identities of these individuals.
The woman has been identified as 55-year-old Mary B. Getty, and the male has been identified as 56-year-old Michael P. Getty. The specific relationship between these two individuals has yet to be reported. But, given the fact that they both have the same last name, the likelihood is that they were a married couple.
Reports have provided further information about Mary Getty. She was a fifth-grade teacher at Jacob Wismer Elementary School, located in Portland, Oregon. Laurie Huntwork, the principal of the school, says that the school is now looking to provide support for students:
Students react in different ways to these situations, and we should expect a variety of emotions and behaviors. The most important thing we can do is be supportive and encourage discussion about the event and the feelings it gives rise to. We encourage you as parents to talk further with your children this evening as you feel appropriate.
Reports have yet to provide further information about Michael Getty.
What now?
As there are still a lot of unknowns about this situation, authorities are continuing to investigate the matter.
They are asking anyone who may have any useful information to contact them.
