Winnfield Police are investigating a shooting that left two dead in the Hatfield section of town on May 1. An investigative team was immediately dispatched upon confirmation by the shift supervisor.

Initial findings indicate an apparent murder/suicide incident as it has been determined that the male subject had fired several shots from a handgun striking the female subject, then turned the gun on himself. After interviews with family members and close associates, police have been unable to determine a motive for this tragic situation. Neither victim had any prior dealing with police.

They are identified as Amyria McDonald, age 20, of Winnfield, and Virgil Smith, Jr., 21, of the Natchitoches area.

Chief Johnny Ray Carpenter stated, “Our hearts go out to these families and friends. This has affected an entire community for such a senseless tragedy to these young people who had their whole lives ahead of them.”

Pending final testing and autopsy results, this will be classified as a murder/suicide incident.