The office of the Coroner this week confirmed what local investigators suspected in the deaths of two Panola County residents three weeks ago. A state autopsy revealed the deaths to be a murder and suicide case.

Timothy Ward, 56, and Catherine Ward, 63, each died of single gunshot wounds. Forensic and physical evidence confirmed that Mrs. Ward was shot and died first.

A family member found the pair deceased and contacted the Sheriff’s Office from the residence on Knight Road, a rural road in north Panola off of Ward Road.