Two people have been found dead in Sonoma County in connection with a suspected murder-suicide

Authorities announced Thursday that two people were found dead in a Sonoma County home on Wednesday. Authorities described it as a potential murder-suicide case.

A Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office deputy found their bodies around 1:20 p.m. during a welfare check at a residence in the 2000 block of Weeks Ranch Road, said deputy and spokesman Rob Dillion. press release.

The inspection began after someone reported that a resident of the home had not shown up for work shortly before 12:30 p.m.

When the deputy responded, the front door was closed but not locked and the house lights were on. The deputy shouted, heard no response and entered the home at approximately 1:30 p.m., where he found two people dead.

Dillion said Sheriff’s Office violent crime detectives and crime scene investigators have been investigating deaths that initially appear to be the result of a homicide or suicide.

The sheriff’s office did not immediately release other details about the investigation or the crime scene, including whether a gun was involved.

“Despite initial indications of a murder-suicide, the investigation is ongoing and detectives continue to review information received,” Dillion said.

Dillion said the individuals will be identified by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Office after their families are notified.

Staff writer Madison Smalstig can be reached at [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @madi.smals.