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Two identified in Eldersville murder-suicide

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State police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in Eldersville, Jefferson Township.

The bodies of Lorraine Gladys Smith, 53, and Edward Smith Jr., 53, were discovered by a relative about 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in their home at 32 Church St., near Eldersville United Methodist Church.

According to Washington County Coroner S. Timothy Warco, Lorraine Smith died of a gunshot wound, and Edward Smith died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The shootings took place between 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, said Warco.

According to state police, Edward Smith Jr.’s father, who is also a neighbor, went to check on him after receiving a call from his son’s employer, saying he didn’t show up for work.

“He came up and knocked on the doors and windows, then forced his way in and found them,” said Sgt. Dale Brown.

Edward Smith Jr. was found in the living room and Lorraine Smith was found in a bedroom.

Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance and Chair Service assisted at the scene.

Eldersville is a small village about 2.5 miles from the West Virginia line.

On Oct. 14, 2015, a murder-suicide occurred about 6.5 miles away in Avella.

After an eight-hour standoff with Dennis James Kern, state police found Kern dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his home at 34 Browntown Road.

Earlier that day, the body of Carolin M. Kern was found in a vehicle on a rural Jefferson Township road.

She was shot in the chest by Dennis Kern.

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