The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has ruled that a couple found dead in their Pleasant Plains home was indeed a murder-suicide.

The death of Bridgett Juanita Royal, 26, has been a homicide, while that of Stephen T. Royal, 28, was a suicide.

Both died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to information released by the Independence County Sheriff's Office.

Pleasant Plains Town Marshall Matt Thomas was sent to 139 Wilf Drive around 7:20 a.m. Oct. 21. In his report, he said he "had been advised by dispatch that a Nathan Stephens, who is related to the female victim, had called for a welfare check due to a concern of recent problems between the male and female victim."

Thomas said he tried "for some time to get someone to the door," but when he was unable to get anyone, he looked around outside the home and through windows trying to find someone. Two vehicles were parked in the two-car garage, he added.

After Thomas had been there for about 10 minutes, Bridgett Royal's family arrived at the home, including her father and grandparents.

"They were real concerned and stated that if the two cars were in the garage, they were in the residence," Thomas said in the report.

Thomas again tried the front and rear doors and said the garage door at the rear of the home was found to be unlocked. He entered the garage, then another door that led to the foyer. He said he announced his presence several times but still got no response. He saw an open door, then turned on a light and saw the bodies on the bed.

The grandfather had come in as well, and Thomas had him turn around and leave, but the grandfather had seen the bodies and said they were "them."

The family then left, taking with them two outside dogs, so the scene could be processed.

Thomas said the Criminal Investigations Division at the sheriff's office was contacted. CID processed the scene, and written statements were collected from neighbors. The coroner arrived at the scene about three hours later to pronounce the deaths and take possession of the bodies, Thomas said.

The bodies were sent to the state crime lab.