BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Police detective Rodney Wilson and his wife of two years, Uteva, had their difficulties, but family members said they never expected those troubles to end in murder-suicide.

“I knew in the past they had problems and I told him and her that we all have financial worries,” said Sharon Woods, Uteva Wilson’s mother. “I talked to Rodney Saturday and he was concerned about things. I said, ‘I have bills too. Do what you can, even if it’s $1, and leave the rest to God.”’

“He always stressed that he loved her,” Woods said Wednesday. “I never thought he would take her life.”

Police said that’s exactly what happened.

The 41-year-old detective apparently shot his 23-year-old wife and then got on his police radio and warned he was about to take his own life.

He told dispatchers he had killed his wife, but that the children were OK. He asked for paramedics and a supervisor to come to the scene, and then said, “I won’t be here when you get here,” authorities said.

Wilson, a nearly 11-year veteran of the Birmingham force who served in the burglary unit, used his service weapon in shooting, authorities said.

“It’s really a tragic situation for all parties involved,” said Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper. “It’s extremely tough for the families, friends and co-workers who have to cope with the aftermath as everyone tries to figure out why this happened.”

“Sometimes people think the stressors of life are too much to overcome,” he said, “but help is available.”

The murder-suicide happened just after 3 a.m. at the couple’s apartment. Both Birmingham and Irondale police officers flocked to the scene after Rodney Wilson’s on-air confession.

Uteva Wilson’s son and daughter, ages 7 and 5, were asleep in their bedrooms, but they were awakened by gunfire, said Irondale police detective Michael Mangina. They were sitting up in their own beds when police arrived.

“This is pretty traumatic for them,” Mangina said.

The children were with Uteva Wilson’s relatives Wednesday afternoon at her mother’s home. More than 20 cars lined the street outside as friends and family gathered there to share in their grief.

“They will be loved and taken care of,” Woods said of her grandchildren, “but I would rather have her here.” Efforts to reach Rodney Wilson’s family for comment were unsuccessful.

Mangina said it is especially tough on Birmingham officers.

“It’s very difficult,” Mangina said. “I’m sure it was more difficult for the Birmingham officers who were there because this was a brother officer. From what I understand, he was well-liked and highly thought of.” Irondale detectives were expected to talk with the couple’s family to find out if there had been problems, Mangina said.

A website the couple set up for their wedding showed they were married in Fairfield on Aug. 29, 2009. A poem called “Happy First Anniversary, My Sweet Love,” was later added to the site.

“Unfortunately, we don’t know what was going on in his life,” he said, “and we may never know what was going on in his life to make him do this.”

Woods said she spoke with her daughter, a graduate of Carver High School, and her grandchildren, every night. Tuesday was no different.

“I had no idea it would be the last time,” she said. “If I did, I would have had them here with me.”

She said her daughter was an active person who loved life.

“I will miss her smile. I will miss her being here,” Woods said. “I wouldn’t expect to be burying my child at this early age.”