WALTON MAN KILLS WIFE, DOG AND SHOOTS SELF

(02/17/2008)
6 PM - Police in Roane County say a man shot and killed his wife and his dog then he turned the gun on himself this morning.

The man was unsuccessful in his suicide attempt and was life-flighted by HealthNet to Charleston Area Medical Center.

The incident happened this morning near US 119 south of Walton on the Clendenin Road.

State Police say there was a long history of violence at the house.

When a trooper and the Roane County Sheriff's Department arrived at the scene, a deputy found a man and a woman inside the house, both suffering gunshot wounds to the head.

The female was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police believe that the female was shot by the male, before the male contacted 911 and shot himself.

A trooper said a male contacted Roane 911 regarding shots fired and then hung up the phone. A 911 dispatcher was unable to reach the calling party on a call-back.

The names of the victims is being withheld pending notification of relatives.