At 6:53 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, deputies responded to a residence after receiving a call that an individual had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies found two deceased individuals.

The deceased have been identified as Nina Christina Martin, 36, and James Mark Ferguson Junior, 56.

Detectives say Martin and Ferguson knew each other and both sustained gunshot wounds. They add that they believe this was an isolated incident.

Haywood County Sheriff’s Office detectives confirm that the incident was a murder-suicide, stating that it appeared Ferguson shot Martin before shooting himself.

“We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and those in the community as they go through this very difficult time,” said Sheriff Greg Christopher.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing.

Updated at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15.