MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Domestic violence killings in Memphis are on the
rise, a trend punctuated by two apparent murder-suicides in which
authorities say two men killed their wives and themselves on the same day
last week.

Citing data from the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission, deadly
domestic violence incidents claimed 26 victims last year. That’s double the
13 who were killed in 2014. Eight died in 2015.

Police say 57-year-old Thomas Swearengen fatally shot his 65-year-old wife
Margaret Swearengen before killing himself on Feb. 19.

Later that day and 10 miles to the west, police say 64-year-old James Lea
fatally shot himself and his 55-year-old wife Lisa Lea.

Memphis Area Women’s Council Executive Director Deborah Clubb says the
high number of killings signals a domestic violence “epidemic.”