WINTER HAVEN, Fla.,None — Detectives are investigating a murder-suicide at Winter Haven Hospital. It happened around 1:30 Monday afternoon.
Raymond Duckworth, 77, was visiting his wife Patricia, 76, in her hospital room when shots were fired.
Investigators say Duckworth shot and killed his wife, and then turned the gun on himself.
Hospital officials told Eyewitness News all security measures were followed; there are no metal detectors on hospital property, and investigators said Duckworth likely walked into the building with the gun hidden.
"Like all hospitals in the United States, we are a public institution, we trust people. They come and go and we are just as shocked and surprised by this incident as anybody would be," said Joel Thomas, a hospital spokesperson.
People who knew the Duckworths told Eyewitness News that Patricia had recently suffered a stroke, and think that could have led to the murder-suicide.
"Who's to say it wasn't a better solution? I'm sure they didn't want to be apart. I don't think he wanted to live without her," said Kay Watson, one of the Duckworth's neighbors.
Police will continue to speak with hospital staff Tuesday to determine exactly what happened.
The weapon was found in the hospital and taken into evidence.
WFTV
