BETHESDA - Belmont County Sheriff Fred Thompson said Bonnie Koci was leaving her Bethesda home Thursday night following an argument with her husband Frank when her husband shot her in the chest and then fired a single shot into his own head.

Frank Koci, 68, and his wife of the same age were found dead at about 7 p.m. Thursday in their living room, according to the sheriff. Thompson said the bodies were discovered by a family member.

Belmont County deputies were called to the Koci's Noon Road home at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of the couple arguing. Thompson said deputies calmed the two and remained at the home until about 6 p.m. He said the fatal gunshots were fired a short time after deputies departed.

Thompson said Bonnie Koci was found with a "fanny pack" slung over her shoulder and a suitcase near her body. The sheriff said he believes Bonnie Koci was leaving her home when she was murdered. Thompson said the weapon used in the killings was a semi-automatic handgun.

Thompson said the initial argument that prompted the deputies' response was witnessed by at least two of the couple's young grandchildren. He said the children were picked up by their father while the deputies were still at the scene. The sheriff said deputies left the home believing there was no danger.

"There were no threats or violence, so there were no arrests," Thompson said. "The deputy told them to calm down and take it easy - regroup. He got them calm, and they were being civil with each other."

Bethesda Police Chief Tim Zdanski said Frank Koci worked as a part-time police officer in the department until about 18 months ago. He said Frank Koci had been on medical leave since that time.

Zdanski said Frank Koci was retired from a career in education. He served as a principal in the Barnesville school district and also worked in the Union Local school district.

"He wanted to be a policeman because he wanted to continue helping people after he got out of the school system," he said. "Frank retired from Barnesville, and he came to me and said he wanted to be a policeman. He went to the East Ohio Law Enforcement Academy, and he was an excellent, part-time officer. He was on medical leave, but he was hoping to come back and help out."

Thompson said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, the Bethesda Police Department, the Belmont County coroner and the Bethesda emergency squad were called to the scene.