Crime
Shooting death of couple Carlus Isaiah and Michaela Isaiah inside Florence home were murder-suicide
A 48-year-old man and his 37-year-old wife were discovered deceased inside their Florence home on Friday, according to Coroner Keith von Lutcken.
The couple, identified as Carlus Lachuan Isaiah and Michaela Marche Isaiah, were found during a welfare check conducted by local authorities.
Autopsies for both are scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the Medical University of South Carolina to determine the cause of death.
While details surrounding their deaths remain unclear, neighbors have expressed shock and shared fond memories of the Isaiahs.
One neighbor, who worked with Carlus Isaiah professionally for many years, described him as a kind and pleasant individual.
Another neighbor shared that she bonded with the Isaiahs over their mutual interest in a specific breed of dog, adding that her interactions with the couple were always positive.
Both neighbors requested to remain anonymous.
As of Monday, Florence police have not disclosed further information regarding the circumstances of the couple’s deaths or the findings of their ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the situation to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic discovery.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.