PRESS RELEASE – The Jackson County Sgeriff’s Office released the following statement regarding an apparent murder-suicide.

”On 07/03/2025 around 1 pm Deputies responded to the area of Broom RD, Tuckasegee in reference to someone reporting a male and female lying outside a residence with a gun nearby. Deputies arrived on scene and located the two subjects deceased.

Detectives were called to the scene to investigate. Detectives quickly learned there was no threat to the public. Detectives identified the male as Christopher Lee Bowman 60 years old. The female was identified as Ellen Dilling Jones 71 years old.

After a thorough investigation was complete by detectives it was determined that Christopher Bowman had shot and killed Ellen Jones before turning the gun on himself. Motive is unknown and the families of the deceased have been notified. Our condolences go out to the families of this tragic event.”