Cumberland police say incident that killed couple was murder-suicide

CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WLNE) — Cumberland police said Friday that the incident where two people were shot inside of a home last month, was a murder-suicide.

Chief Matthew Benson said that 51-year-old Eric Huard shot and killed his wife, 42-year-old Courtney Huard, before subsequently shooting himself on June 22.

“I would like to recognize the diligent efforts and collaborative approach of Cumberland Police detectives, the Rhode Island State Police, Attorney General Neronha’s office and the Office of State Medical Examiners,” Benson said.

Benson added that the couple left behind three children.

Police initially responded to reports of a shooting inside of the Birchwood Avenue home at about 7 a.m.

They found the bodies of the couple inside. No one else was hurt during the incident.