The elderly man found dead in his Christchurch home is believed to have killed his wife because she was dying.
Bill and Jill Feary's bodies were found lying in bed in a property in Burnside on Monday morning. Police have confirmed a firearm was involved in their deaths and a homicide investigation has been launched.
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price told media that at around 4am on Monday, a man from the Wairakei Rd property called police and threatened to harm himself.
When emergency services including the Armed Offenders Squad arrived at the scene, both Bill and Jill were dead.
There are now reports that Bill killed his beloved wife because her health was quickly deteriorating and he didn't want to go on alone.
William Feary, the couple's 33-year-old grandson, told Stuff he believes his grandfather "just couldn't live without her".
"It seemed like a bit of a pact," he said, adding that the couple were still deeply in love after many years of marriage.
Jill, who was in her late 70s, had reportedly suffered from a heart condition and was recently hospitalised with pneumonia.
Supt Price says no one else is being sought in relation to the couple's deaths.
"Experienced officers are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic event," he told media on Monday.
"We want to reassure residents, neighbours and the wider public there is no threat to anyone's safety.
"Events like these are very tragic and our thoughts are with those that knew the two people involved."
Newshub.
