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Police: Elderly couple killed in possible murder-suicide in Fairfax County

Preliminarily, detectives believe the man shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Officers with the Fairfax County Police Department are investigating a murder-suicide after an elderly couple was found dead in a home on Tuesday.

Fairfax County Police responded to Walker Street, off of Monroe Street, in Fairfax, according to an 11:09 p.m. tweet from the police department. Officers have not said exactly what time they were called to the scene or what lead them to the location, but once there, they found two people dead.

According to officers, a man and woman were found dead inside the home. Through an initial investigation, they believe that everyone that was involved in the incident was accounted for.

This sparked a death investigation. Around 12:20 a.m., on March 1, detectives stated that they believe that the incident was a murder-suicide involving the couple. 

Police have since identified the couple killed as Janos John Gertler, 86, and Eva Anna Vas, 73.

Both were declared dead at the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives believe Gertler shot his wife, Vas, before shooting himself. 

Several spent cartridge cases and a firearm were located by police within the home.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will be completing autopsies to confirm manner and cause of death.

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance

This is a developing story. WUSA9 is working to confirm additional details. Stay with WUSA9 for the latest updates as they come in to our newsroom.

Watch Next: Son arrested after allegedly stabbing father to death in Fairfax County

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