William Claycomb, PhD, 73, and his wife, Victoria Burton, 61, both died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to Pearl River County Coroner Derek Turnage. Ms. Burton was found dead in the couple’s home Saturday night, and Dr. Claycomb died early Sunday in a hospital.
Mr. Turnage said the deaths will be ruled a murder-suicide, according to the report. No information regarding a possible motive has been released.
Dr. Claycomb was a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and a leader in heart disease research. His discoveries have been recognized around the world, Steve Nelson, MD, dean of the medical school, told The Sun Herald.
Shane Tucker, Pearl River County Chief Deputy, said Ms. Burton was experiencing health problems Saturday night and had called some friends, asking them to take her to the hospital. Emergency responders arrived at the couple’s home after one of Ms. Burton’s friends called 911 at 8:24 p.m.
“Our deputies went in and saw Victoria on the floor in the kitchen,” said Mr. Tucker, according to the report. “It appeared she had been shot in the head. They went to the bedroom and located William. He was awake but was unable to move.”
Dr. Claycomb had shot himself in the mouth, the coroner said. He was flown to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg where he died at 12:34 a.m. Sunday.
“There’s still a lot to investigate,” Mr. Tucker said. “We’ve subpoenaed medical records and are waiting to get autopsy results back, but we do believe the husband shot the wife and then shot himself.”
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