James River Equipment staff member Tina Marie Brown has passed away in what seems to be a murder-suicide incident in Franklin County.

 FRANKLIN COUNTY, VA — Officials have verified that two residents from Rocky Mount passed away on Friday in what is being looked into as an apparent murder-suicide. Deputies discovered the deceased individuals with serious gunshot injuries inside a vehicle located near the 1400 block of Patti Road.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene around 9 a.m. following a 911 report about an unresponsive individual found in a red Honda SUV. When deputies reached the location, they found 55-year-old James Randolph Smith and 41-year-old Tina Marie (Brown) Spencer, both of whom were local, lifeless due to gunshot wounds. The inquiry is still in progress, awaiting confirmation from the Roanoke Medical Examiner’s Office.

Officials have not provided additional information about any potential motive or the firearm involved. The sheriff’s office labeled the situation as isolated and offered sympathies to the families during this holiday time.

Spencer, who was a mother and worked at James River Equipment, was honored by her coworkers as someone who was uplifting and dedicated, with a strong affection for her children. The community is still grieving the loss of both individuals involved in this heartbreaking event.