Police probe murder-suicide at north Ala. hospital

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, October 15, 2008

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — An apparent murder-suicide at Huntsville Hospital is under investigation.

Huntsville police said Barry Pitts, believed to be in his 60’s, walked into the medical facility Tuesday night, shot his wife Patricia Pitts, then turned the gun on himself.

Authorities said both victims died of a gunshot wound to the head and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not released a motive.

But Huntsville television station, WAFF, reported the wife had been in the hospital for about a week. The shooting happened on the 5th floor.

A spokesperson for the hospital declined to issue a statement.