Authorities on the Western Slope are investigating two deaths this weekend as a suspected murder and suicide.
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at about 9:15 a.m. Friday to 20377 Pahgre Road, said Bobbie McCoid, a sheriff’s office spokeswoman.
When deputies arrived they found a man and a woman, both dead, in different structures on the same property, McCoid said.
The Montrose County Coroner’s Office today released the names of the people involved. Jeanne L. Mennel, 84, died of “asphyxia secondary to smothering” and her death is ruled a homicide, the coroner’s office said in a media release.
Mark A. Koeman, 61, died of a single gunshot wound to the head, according to the coroner’s office. His manner of death was ruled a suicide.
McCoid described Mennel as a “victim” and Koeman as a “suspect” in the incident. She said Mennel was Koeman’s mother-in-law. A motive in the case was not released.
Mennel’s body was found inside the home at the address and Koeman’s body was found in an “out building,” McCoid said.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is aiding the sheriff’s office in the case.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
