Carthage murder victims identified

Authorities have released the names of two Southwest Missouri murder victims as rural Carthage gun shop owners Robert Sheldon, 71, and Ellen Sheldon, 70.  Officials said they don’t have any suspects or a motive at this time.  

The couple’s son, Daniel Sheldon, called police at 11:04 Sunday morning and told them he was concerned because his parents missed church.  Jasper County Sheriff Archie Dunn said  Daniel Sheldon told them he found his mother lying in a pool of blood.   

Dunn did not give any additional information during a press conference except to say the nature of the killings indicated severe personal contempt or even hatred. 

The couple owned a gun shop west of Carthage . Robert Sheldon also worked as a reserve officer for the County.  Dunn said he called in investigators from three states to help with the case.