Authorities are investigating a tragic incident that occurred Friday, which is being treated as an apparent murder-suicide. The DeKalb County, Alabama Coroner confirmed that the event unfolded at a residence, involving a married couple, 76-year-old Kenneth Trowbridge and 69-year-old Vicky Patrick.

According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), emergency dispatch received a concerning call from a man residing in Mentone, who reported multiple fatalities at his home. As dispatchers coordinated a response, they remained on the line with the caller, who revealed that he had shot his wife and their two dogs, and expressed intentions to harm himself. Law enforcement officials responded swiftly to the scene, where they discovered the bodies of Trowbridge, Patrick, and the dogs, all with apparent gunshot wounds. Following the initial investigation, DCSO reached out to the Jacksonville State University Center for Applied Forensics to assist with evidence collection.

Preliminary findings have led investigators to conclude that Kenneth Trowbridge fatally shot his wife before taking his own life.

In a statement, Sheriff Nick Welden expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies, including the Mentone Police Department, Valley Head Police Department, and others who assisted at the scene. “Please keep all families involved in your thoughts and prayers for the weeks and months to come,” Welden urged the community. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to gather more information and provide clarity surrounding this heartbreaking incident.