Novato Police Investigating Apparent Murder, Suicide of Elderly Couple

By Bay City News Service:

A husband apparently took his wife’s life in Novato on Friday before taking his own life, police said Sunday.

On Friday at 4:43 p.m., Novato police received a report that two people had been found in bed together, both deceased.

Officers responded to the 800 block of Tamalpais Avenue and police said the officers found two people who suffered apparent gunshots wounds.

A preliminary investigation by the Novato Police Department and the Marin County coroner’s office indicated the suspect, identified as Walter Benson, 88, shot his wife, Betty Benson, 87, before shooting himself, police said.

Police said a weapon was recovered at the scene.

The investigation is continuing but police said there are no outstanding suspects or hazards to the community related to the incident.