From Staff Reports

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy James Zusack said officials are investigating a potential murder-suicide after a New Year’s Day incident at a home on Garrett Hill Road, which is south of St. Clairsville.

This morning, Zusack said the department would not release more information until Wednesday. He said investigators believe it to be a murder-suicide, based on their initial findings.

Zusack said until more information is discovered, and out of respect to the family, the department is being vague with details of the incident.

“(We’re going to) give the family time to do what they have to do, and I’ll give out more information tomorrow,” he said this morning, adding that a description of the incident would be forthcoming.