HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Authorities in Clay County say a welfare check on June 10 led to the discovery of two deceased individuals in what investigators have determined was an apparent murder-suicide.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched shortly after 1 p.m. to a residence at 6 Mission Hill Road in Hayesville after concerns were raised when 58-year-old Wanda Holden Cotton failed to report to work at Part City Auto Parts as expected.

Sheriff’s Officers Drew Judge and Corey Scroggs responded to the residence and repeatedly knocked on doors and announced their presence but received no response. After gaining entry through a back door, the officers searched the home and discovered Cotton deceased on a bedroom floor from an apparent gunshot wound.

Also found deceased in the bedroom was 58-year-old David Dupriest Jr. of Hayesville, who had reportedly been living at the residence. Authorities said Dupriest also suffered a single gunshot wound.

The residence was secured, and investigators were called to the scene. Responding personnel included Clay County Chief Deputy Tyler Faggard, Lt. Investigator Brandon Coker, Investigator Steven Smith, Sheriff Mark Buchanan, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Ian Comeaux, and on-call Medical Examiner Josh Randal.

Following a comprehensive investigation that included crime scene processing, interviews, and medical examinations, investigators determined that Dupriest shot Cotton before turning the weapon on himself.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is saddened for the family members who lost their loved ones on this most tragic of days,” the agency said in a statement. “Please know our prayers for healing and comfort are with these families in the times that follow.”

The incident remains under investigation.