The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a murder-suicide in the Pagosa Lakes subdivision, about six miles north U.S. Highway 160 as it runs through Pagosa Springs.
The Sheriff’s Office discovered two bodies while conducting a welfare check Wednesday at a home in the subdivision.
Archuleta County Coroner Dan Keuning identified the deceased as married couple Michael Spitler, 30, and Chersti Berdahl Spitler, 36.
The bodies were found in a bedroom on the north side of the house, Keuning said.
The last known contact anyone had with the Spitlers was during the last week of February, he said.
An autopsy conducted Friday morning in Durango found the cause of death for Chersti and Michael Spitler were shotgun wounds.
The couple had been dead for about two weeks, Keuning said.
“The findings were a confirmed murder-suicide,” he said. “He shot her before turning the gun on himself.”
Agents with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation responded Thursday from Grand Junction to assist with the investigation, Keuning said.
Earlier this week, Larry Fisher, 71, owner of Ski & Bow Rack was shot and killed during a robbery in Pagosa Springs.
“This is a very difficult situation for our community, and a tragic week in Pagosa Springs,” Keuning said. “We are struggling with multiple deaths and grieving families. (Authorities) are going to continue their investigation and support the family during this difficult time.”
mrupani@durangoherald.com