Rural Deer River couple dies in apparent murder-suicide

DEER RIVER (AP) -- A couple in the process of getting divorced was found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide, the Itasca County Sheriff's Department said Sunday.

Douglas Harold Weber, 59, and Bonita Louise Weber, 54, each was found dead Saturday from single gunshot wounds at their home about 20 miles north of Deer River, authorities said.

The preliminary investigation shows that Douglas Weber shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself, said Sheriff Pat Medure.

A neighbor called police Saturday morning reporting that no activity had been seen at the Weber home since Tuesday -- the same day Bonita Weber asked to have a court order for protection dismissed.

Deer River is about 12 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.