Authorities say the deaths of two people found Thursday inside a home in Northampton, Massachusetts were the result of a murder-suicide.

The Northwestern District Attorney's Office identified the individuals as 24-year-old Karina Nieves and 26-year-old Nelson Cardona. Authorities said both appeared to have died of gunshot wounds inside a residence on Village Hill Road.

A preliminary investigation suggests that Cardona likely shot Nieves, and then himself, according to the district attorney. Authorities said the two had been in a long-term relationship and had three children together.

The children are all safe and being cared for.

Northampton police and state police assigned to the district attorney's office are continuing the investigation.