Published: August 16, 2009 11:50 pm      

Wiley Ford couple argued before fatal incident

Investigators: Husband shot wife, then himself

WILEY FORD, W.Va. — A Wiley Ford man found dead at his Cumberland Street home Saturday evening first shot his wife before turning the gun on himself, authorities said Sunday.

Kenneth Jay Deetz, 43, argued with his wife, Tammy Lynn Deetz, 47, before the shootings, according to a news release from the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities were alerted to a problem at the home shortly after 5 p.m. when a 911 call was placed from the home to the Mineral County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The caller disconnected the line before talking to a dispatcher, and a sheriff’s deputy was sent to the home, which is located near Alternate Route 28, about one-half mile from state Route 28.

Deputy W.S. Weakley arrived at the home at 5:14 p.m. and discovered the body of Kenneth Deetz lying outside the residence, as well as the couple’s two grandchildren — an infant girl and a 4-year-old boy — who were unharmed, according to the couple’s daughter, Kendra.

Tammy Deetz’s body was found a short time later in a wooded area near the home. She died from a single gunshot wound, according to the news release.

Both bodies were transported to Morgantown, where autopsies will be performed. The investigation is ongoing.