Tamworth deaths: Husband, wife found shot dead in second apparent murder-suicide

A MAN is believed to have shot his wife of almost three decades dead before turning the gun on himself at their Tamworth home.

Rainee Abberfield, 51, and John Abberfield, 67.

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A MAN is believed to have shot his wife of almost three decades dead before turning the gun on himself at their Tamworth home in the first of two horror suspected murder-suicides in NSW in a 12- hour period.

Police had to force entry into the East Tamworth home at 11.30pm on Sunday where they found Rainee Abberfield, 51, and her husband, John, 67, dead.

An associate of the pair had raised concerns earlier in the day, prompting police to attend the Bailey Ave property at 6.30pm but they found no signs of anyone home and left.

Rainee Abberfield. Picture: Supplied

Rainee Abberfield, 51, and John Abberfield, 67. Picture: Supplied

Following “further inquiries” police returned to the home where they found the couple dead.

Oxley Command Crime Manager Phil O’Reilly said no one was else was being sought in relation to the deaths. Mr Abberfield was a registered firearm owner.

Mr O’Reilly would not say if there was a history of domestic violence between the pair.

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“There were concerns for their welfare from an associate of them. They couldn’t contact them. We went there earlier in the night, didn’t find anything, the place was locked up,” he said.

“After further inquiries we forced entry. They were found in the house. A firearm was found at the crime scene.

“We believe they were married but they haven’t been formally identified. It is a tragedy when community members are taken from us. If anyone has any information to contact Tamworth detectives.”

The couple’s daughter took to social media to express her shock at her parents death.

“As most would have heard it has been a really hard day for me my brother and both sides of my family,” she wrote.

“I appreciate all the love everyone has sent me though it honestly means so much.”

If you are distressed by this story, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14