Deputies investigate double shooting as apparent murder-suicide - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

Authorities said the shooting reported Wednesday night is being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide. A murder-suicide that left two young children without parents.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office reported the bodies of Aleria Cyrus Reed, 35, and her estranged husband, Marlon Reed, Sr., 38, were found inside their home just after 7 p.m. Investigators said they believe Reed shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself.

Sheriff Jason Ard said deputies found the victims after being called to the 28000 block of Grand Turk Drive off Florida Boulevard, which is just outside the Denham Springs city limits.

He added Marlon Reed, Sr. still lived at the home with the couple's two young children, but Aleria Cyrus Reed had been staying with family in Baton Rouge while the couple was separated and was at the home visiting her children when the shooting happened. The two had joint custody.

According to Ard, there are no reports of deputies being called to the home for any domestic-related problems or acts of violence. However, reports indicate deputies found paperwork showing Aleria Cyrus Reed had filed for a restraining order against her husband, claiming domestic abuse. The protective order against Marlon Reed, Sr. was active.

In the protective order, Aleria writes that on December 14th, Marlon "threatened to destroy me and destroy my life," then just five days later she writes that Marlon took her phone and "told me that he was in control of me."

Fast forward to January 2 when Aleria requested temporary full custody of their two young children, ages 3 and 6. Aleria told the court that Marlon "carries a loaded handgun at all times" and said he "stated that he would end it all and commit suicide."

Even more bizarre, Aleria says she is fearful because Marlon's brother "murdered his girlfriend when she attempted to end their relationship."

The court was scheduled to rule on custody involving Aleria and Marlon's children on January 21.

The Livingston Parish Coroner's Office is performing autopsies on the victims to determine the exact cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing.

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