Indiana Tragedy: Motive Behind Alleged Newlywed Murder-Suicide Still Uncertain

Authorities are still not certain about the motive behind a tragedy in Indiana involving the apparent murder-suicide of a newly married couple, though a theory is emerging. Investigators have questioned guests who attended the wedding and reception of the newlyweds: 54-year-old anesthesiologist Dr. George Samson and Kelly Ecker, a 50-year-old nurse, both of whom were found dead at their home just hours after they were married last Saturday.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, witnesses reported that Samson and Ecker had argued before their reception was even over, and their feud continued after the celebrations carried over to their mansion in Terre Haute. Interviews with guests have revealed that the couple were allegedly arguing about their prenuptial agreement. Samson was reportedly heard telling Ecker that she would “never get her hands on his money.” By the time the party arrived back at their home, the newlyweds were barely speaking to each other, making for an uncomfortable atmosphere for guests.

Kelly Ecker called 911 at approximately 1:17 a.m. on Sunday, just minutes after the last guest left the residence she shared with Samson, according to Fox News. The 911 operators said Ecker told them Samson was beating her, and added that “he has guns.” They also said the last thing they heard her shout was “Oh my God.” Dispatchers then reportedly heard screams and gunshots.

When police arrived, after being delayed by the fact that Ecker gave 911 the wrong address, they first found the woman’s lifeless body riddled with multiple bullet wounds. They found Samson’s body in the basement, where he lay dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. The apparent murder weapon, a.45-caliber handgun, was found as well.

To add another disturbing layer to the Indiana tragedy, Ecker’s 10-year-old son and an elderly man were in the residence during the murder-suicide. The man, a relative, brought police to a bedroom, where the boy was found near his dead mother’s body. The two were reported as being unharmed, and were escorted from the house by authorities.

George Samson maintained an extensive gun collection at the Indiana mansion, numbering close to 100 guns of all varieties, from handguns to rifles and even fully automatic weapons. He also had a large store of ammunition. It has been revealed that Samson was registered with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as a firearms dealer. The dead man’s cache of weaponry has been seized by the authorities.

[Image via Sandrarose.com]