Full Notification

Spencer County (Dale): A husband and wife were found deceased late Tuesday night as a result of what State Police detectives believe was a murder and suicide.

At 10:52 P.M. Central Time Tuesday night, concerned acquaintances had asked that the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department check on the welfare of William and Martha Lamar of Dale. After numerous attempts to get Mr. and Mrs. Lamar to answer the door of their home, deputies forced their way into the residence. Deputies found Mr. Lamar deceased in the living room and Mrs. Lamar deceased in the kitchen.

State Police detectives and crime scene investigators were contacted to lead the investigation. Investigators believe both had died of apparent gunshot wounds, and a handgun was found lying next to Mrs. Lamar. Detectives believe that given the state in which the scene was found, both had died on or around June 29. Further information gathered at the scene lead detectives to believe that Mrs. Lamar had shot and killed Mr. Lamar before taking her own life.

Investigators are considering this case closed. The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, the Dale Police Department, and the Spencer County Coroner’s Office.

Deceased:
William A. Lamar, 74
Dale, IN

Martha E. Lamar, 68
Dale, IN

-30-
HENSLEY

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.