An out-of-state relative phoned an elderly couple in rural Fairfield County and was concerned about getting no response Wednesday night.

Chrystal McNamee, 80, and her husband, Richard, 78, were later found dead in what authorities say was a murder-suicide at their ranch home, set back off a driveway on a 5-acre lot in the 2400 block of Pickerington Road in Bloom Township.

Mr. McNamee had been in the hospital and recently returned home. The relative called the Fairfield County sheriff's office, asking deputies to swing by the home to check on the couple.

The porch light was on but no one came to the door, the sheriff's office said. Deputies broke into the house about 8:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Mrs. McNamee was found dead in the master bedroom, shot in her head. Her husband was close to the bed and also had a gunshot wound to his head, Sheriff Dave Phalen said.

"He had shot her in her bed and then he turned the gun on himself," Phalen said. "It is a homicide-suicide. We don't think it is anything else."

A handgun used in the shooting was found at the scene. Phalen said no note was left.

It is believed that the two had been dead for less than 12 hours when they were found, Phalen said.

The sheriff said he didn't know the nature of Mr. McNamee's illness and hospitalization.

jwoods@dispatch.com

@Woodsnight