Maryland State Police say Christine Wells was caring for a former partner when both were found dead Sunday
POCOMOKE, MD – A welfare check at a Somerset County home ended with two people found dead Sunday evening, and Maryland State Police are now investigating the deaths of a 67-year-old woman and the man she was caring for as an apparent murder-suicide.
Troopers from the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack responded shortly before 7:30 p.m. to a residence in the 7500 block of Dividing Creek Road in Pocomoke.
Inside, police found Christine Wells, 67, unresponsive. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.
Troopers also found Robert Dehart, 66, of Pocomoke, suffering from what police described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was also pronounced dead at the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore ruled Wells’ death a homicide, according to Maryland State Police.
Investigators believe Wells and Dehart had previously been in a relationship and that Wells was serving as Dehart’s caretaker at the time of their deaths.
Maryland State Police have characterized the case as an apparent murder-suicide. The agency did not provide additional details about how Wells died in its announcement.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the property along with crime scene technicians from the Forensic Sciences Division to examine and process evidence.
The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information relevant to the case can contact investigators at 202-953-1903. Police said callers may remain confidential.
Key Points
- Christine Wells, 67, and Robert Dehart, 66, were found dead during a welfare check at a Pocomoke home Sunday.
- Maryland’s medical examiner ruled Wells’ death a homicide, while police said Dehart suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- State police believe Wells and Dehart were previously in a relationship and that Wells was serving as Dehart’s caretaker.
