DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — A man killed his wife, then shot himself, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Tuesday afternoon, deputies were called to check out a domestic situation on on Oak Grove Road in Dandridge, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff.
Four minutes after taking the call, deputies arrived on scene and found a child standing in the doorway.
An adult male came running out of the house after the child, according to the sheriff. The man, now identified as Juan Lopez Pineda, 46, told deputies that he had "shot his wife" before closing the door.
Deputies took the child to a safe location.
Officers made several attempts to contact someone inside the home and finally made entry at 4:30 p.m. The sheriff said deputies found two people dead inside the home, Pineda and his wife, Lenor Vazquez Silva, 39. Investigators believe he shot his wife, then took his own life.
No shots were fired by officers.
Oak Grove Road just west of the Douglas Lake Campground was blocked while crews investigated.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was also requested to assist the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, TBI spokesperson Leslie Earhart said Tuesday.
Jefferson County Director of Schools Dr. Shane Johnston told 10News the family had five students in the school system.
Johnston released this statement:
"The Jefferson County Department of Education was notified about a domestic situation involving parents that have children in our school system during the afternoon hours of Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
We are all saddened by the series of events that have taken place in our community. The school system will provide the necessary support to the students both directly, and indirectly, involved in this situation.
The school district has representatives working with local and state agencies in an effort to provide support for our students. Additionally, counselors will be available at all Jefferson County Schools for all students, teachers, and staff.
This is a tragic situation and our school district is committed to helping all students through this difficult time. Everyone’s support, encouragement, and prayers are greatly appreciated."