Police have identified the two individuals found dead inside a residence on Homer Place in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Wednesday as Peter Lopez and his wife, Debbie Lopez, also known as Debbie Mawhinney-Lopez.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the home at 21 Homer Place at approximately 12:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a serious incident. Upon arrival, officers located a man and a woman, both in their 50s, who were pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities later confirmed both had sustained apparent gunshot wounds.
Investigators have indicated that the incident is being treated as a domestic-related case in which Peter Lopez, 59, shot and killed his wife before dying by suicide. Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that there is no threat to the public.
The couple had been married for 34 years. Deborah Lopez, 54, formerly worked for the Arlington Central School District and was originally from Howard Beach. The deaths have deeply affected the local community, where friends and neighbors expressed shock and sorrow.
Police have not released additional details as the investigation continues. Authorities noted that law enforcement activity may remain in the area while the case is finalized.
