Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard confirms that his office is investigating an apparent murder-suicide which occurred early Sunday morning. At 12:28 a.m. deputies responded to a 911 call for a violent domestic in progress at 1725 Sandridge Road in Alden. Several children had been directed to leave the house by 911 operators prior to the deputies arrival.  Once on the scene, numerous unsuccessful attempts were made to contact the individuals inside the residence. A short time later deputies entered the house and found two persons dead from apparent gunshot wounds

The victims’ identities are being withheld until autopsies are completed and proper identification is made by the Erie County Medical Examiner.  The victims appear to be in their early to mid-forties.