Man, woman killed in domestic murder-suicide in Carroll County identified by police
A woman shot and killed her ex-husband before killing herself in Carroll County on Sunday, April 19, prompting a domestic violence murder-suicide investigation, according to the Westminster Police Department.
Officers responded around 8:30 a.m. to the 300 block of E. Main Street in Westminster, where an adult family member reportedly shot another adult family member.
Exclusive video obtained by WJZ shows the moments first responders arrived at the home.
The Westminster Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff's Office responded, surrounded the home, and blocked off the street.
Around 10 a.m., officers entered the home and found 57-year-old Laura Schuessler and 60-year-old Craig Schuessler dead, according to police.
"I didn't know what was going on. That was my first time witnessing something like that close, then seeing them going through backyards, leaning over, snipers out pointing at a residence," neighbor Brandon Cain said.
The Westminster Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Carroll County Sheriff's Office.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Westminster Police Department at 410- 848-4646 or wpd@westminstermd.gov.
Resources for domestic violence victims
Amanda Rodriguez, the CEO of TurnAround, a Maryland-based organization that serves survivors of domestic violence, told CBS News Baltimore that murder-suicides and domestic violence often go hand in hand.
"About 75% of all murder-suicides in the United States are domestically related, and in Maryland, about 25% of domestic violence homicides are murder-suicides," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez hopes that more people dealing with domestic violence are aware that help is available in every Maryland county.
Resources are available for victims of domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
People can also text the hotline at 88788 and type "BEGIN" or chat online here.
In Maryland, anyone with questions may also call 211. Here are more links to shelter, counseling and other resources.
