RICHMOND, Va. -- Police are investigating a murder-suicide after a couple were found dead inside an apartment on Richmond's Southside early Sunday.

Neighbors reported a domestic situation to police in the 1600 block of Glenfield Avenue in the city's Hillside Court neighborhood around 5 a.m.

Upon arrival, they learned that an armed male suspect, identified as 30-year-old Brian A. Harris, was inside the residence and refused to come outside.

As officers approached one of the units they heard a gunshot fired inside the home, according to officers.

Police said they backed off, established a perimeter and called the Richmond SWAT Team to assist. Some neighbors in surrounding homes were evacuated.

More officers arrived a short time later. Police said attempts to contact the people inside failed.

When units at the scene reported a second gunshot, the SWAT team entered the home.

Upon entering the home, officers found Harris and 29-year-old Shantisha L. Dortch dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

CBS 6 spoke to a neighbor who said she knew the couple who lived there.

"I was just traumatized because I was worried about my friends," said TeaTee, who lives next door. "I feel like this is a very very tragic situation."

Police said neighbors called 911 after they heard gunshots.

TeaTee said the two were having a fight when the shooting happened.

"I feel as though he wasn't in the right state of mind at the time," said TeaTee.

Neighbors gathered outside the victim's apartment with balloons and teddy bears Sunday evening to honor the couple who leaves behind two kids.

"They gone today, but we're going to celebrate the life that they had while they were here on this Earth," TeaTee said.

Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to either call Major Crimes Detective Jon Bridges at 804-646-4494 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.