2 who died of gunshots at Carroll County house fire linked to Miami County suicide
BURLINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — A man who was found dead inside a southeastern Carroll County home after it caught fire on Monday died from a gunshot wound, authorities said Friday.
A woman who was initially found unconscious Monday outside the same home also died from a gunshot wound, the coroner said. Authorities believe a man who was found dead of an apparent suicide in remote Miami County was connected to their deaths.
John MaCurdy, 73, of Bringhurst, was identified as the man authorities found dead inside his home in the 2700 block of South State Road 29 Monday around 9 a.m. The coroner’s office identified Anna Downham, 35, of Bringhurst, as the other victim found at the home.
Investigators identified a suspect vehicle connected to the case and later learned Miami County Sheriff’s Office deputies found a similar vehicle in a remote area of Miami County. Deputies connected the same vehicle to 58-year-old Daniel Doe. Doe, who is from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the same day as the fire.
Authorities were able to connect Doe to MaCurdy and Downham through technological and investigative information. They say Doe was at MaCurdy’s home on Monday and they believe he caused his and Downham’s deaths.
“As was indicated earlier in the week, we do NOT feel there is an ongoing threat to our community based on the latest information garnered in the investigation. This was a tragic event in our community and [we] ask for thoughts and prayers for the families involved, during this time. I commend not only our investigators but also the first responders and numerous investigators who came alongside us to gain finality to the case,” said Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby in a press release sent to News 8 Friday.
Authorities are still working to determine a motive in the killings.
Suicide resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: 800-950-6264.
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255.
- Be Well Indiana Crisis Helpline: 211.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
