Murder Suicide in Powell Claims Two Lives
Written by Andrew-Rossi on August 8, 2017
An apparent murder-suicide has claimed the life of a Powell couple.
Park County sheriff’s deputies are continuing to investigate the incident that occurred yesterday on Jonathon Road near Powell. According to Lance Mathess with the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the call came into Park County dispatch early yesterday morning.
Mathess says that an ambulance from Powell Valley Hospital was immediately sent to the residence, and upon arrival, deputies discovered two victims, one male and one female, both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 64 year old Mary Ann Bier had a gunshot wound to the back of the head, and 74 year old John Charles Bright had a gunshot wound to the right temple. Both victims were transported to Powell Valley Hospital where they died of their wounds.
Mathess says a suicide note was discovered at the scene. The investigation revealed that the victims, although not married were involved in a long-time, live-in relationship. However, recently the relationship had soured and when Bright discovered Bier’s intent to leave him, he became despondent and shot her before turning the gun on himself.
