A 42-year-old mother of seven was allegedly shot and killed by her estranged husband, who then turned the gun on himself, during domestic violence dispute at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, on Saturday night.

Dead are Anna Trotman, a shop owner, and her husband, 47-year-old John Trotman.

Police said the incident, which is being investigated as an alleged murder-suicide and attempted murder, occurred between 21:45 hrs and 22:15 hrs at the family’s home.

Investigators said the couple had been legally married but had separated about a year ago following ongoing domestic disputes. Anna Trotman remained at the Parfaite Harmonie home with six of their seven children and her mother, 59-year-old Tandie Ashley, while John Trotman had been living elsewhere.

According to police, the couple became involved in an argument shortly after Anna returned home from attending one of her younger son’s graduation celebrations.

Their 19-year-old daughter told investigators that she, her grandmother and five younger siblings retreated to a bedroom after the argument began.

She said she then heard several gunshots before emerging to see her father holding what appeared to be a handgun and pointing it at her mother, who was motionless in the living room.

Police said the suspect then rushed towards the bedroom where the children and their grandmother had sought refuge, kicked open the door and fired several rounds at Ashley.

He then reportedly went into the kitchen, where another gunshot was heard. Relatives later found him lying motionless with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head.

Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene shortly after receiving a report through the 911 emergency hotline.

Ashley was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where she underwent surgery for gunshot wounds to her abdomen, left forearm and left shoulder.

Police said Anna Trotman sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including four to the head, one to the chest and two to her right hand.

Investigators recovered a Taurus .32 calibre pistol, nine spent .32 calibre shells and 30 live rounds of ammunition from the scene.

The bodies were pronounced dead at the West Demerara Regional Hospital before being transferred to Ezekiel Funeral Home, where post-mortem examinations are pending.

Police are continuing their investigations.