Two dead in Vernon domestic dispute

Vernon (WTNH) - Two children were home at the time of an apparent murder/suicide in Vernon late Sunday night.

It happened just before midnight at a home on Gerald Drive.

Police say it appears that 45-year old James Morrin fired two shots at his wife, Alice, then turned the gun on himself.

"Arriving officers heard two gun shots followed by a single gun shot," said Officer Dan Champagne, Vernon Police Department.

The couple's daughters, a 9-year old and 15-year old, were home at the time of the shooting but were not harmed.

"As the officers approached, one of the kids exited and was taken to safety and the other child was retrieved from the house," said Ofc. Champagne.

Police say a distraught woman, presumably Alice, called 9-1-1 to report a domestic dispute and then started screaming. 

Alice Morrin worked as an assignment editor at Fox 61/WTIC-TV.

A spokesperson for Fox 61 said part, "We are devastated and shocked by the loss of our friend and colleague, Alice Morrin. She was smart and funny with a kind and caring heart. She leaves behind two beautiful daughters whom she adored and talked about often. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and Alice's entire family. Words cannot begin to describe what Alice meant to the Tribune family. She truly will be missed."

Friend and neighbor, Sandra Botelho, is grappling with the news.

"I'm in shock. I can't believe it. I just saw her yesterday, things seemed fine," Botelho said.

Botelho says the couple was going through a divorce, though it is unclear if there is a history of domestic violence.

The children are in the custody of relatives.