Couple found dead inside home

MATTAPOISETT, Mass.—A couple was found dead inside their Mattapoisett home, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office said Thursday.

The district attorney’s office identified the victims as 74-year-old Shirley Battistelli and her husband, 78-year-old Joseph Battistelli.

Police found Shirley Battistelli on the first floor of the home. The district attorney’s office didn’t say what appeared to be the cause of her death.

Joseph Battistelli was found in the basement. According to the district attorney’s office, Joseph Battistelli appeared to have hanged himself and also suffered a gunshot wound.

There was no sign of forced entry according to the district attorney’s office.

Police received a call at 2:09 p.m. reporting that two people were found dead in the home. Officers entered the home, found the couple and secured the scene until state police detectives arrived.

Autopsies will be conducted by the medical examiner’s office to determine the exact cause and manner of the deaths.