AULANDER – The autopsy report for a Bertie County couple whose bodies were discovered in a house fire reveals that both died from single gunshot wounds.

The bodies of 58-year-old Kenneth Ambrose and his wife, LuAnn, 60, were discovered after Bertie County Sheriff’s deputies answered a call of a fire at 1831 Charles Taylor Road, east of Lewiston-Woodville, at approximately 2 a.m. Tuesday, March 28. Upon arrival, deputies found the house, a nearby barn, and another structure on the property completely engulfed in flames.

Firefighting units from the Lewiston, Aulander, and Windsor Fire Departments were called out to extinguish the blaze.

Inside, deputies found the two bodies of the Ambrose’s among the rubble.

Back in April when an investigation was begun by the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Sheriff John Holley said that foul play was not suspected in the deaths.

Wednesday, the autopsy of 60-year-old LuAnn Ambrose was released and according to the Office of the State Medical Examiner her body was found in bed in a bedroom of the home, while her husband’s body was near the front door of the home, with a handgun nearby.

Holley confirmed that only two rounds had been discharged from the weapon – which he did not identify – matching a single gunshot wound to the head of each victim.

Reports say the wife, according to the autopsy, had a history of chronic pain, hypertension, and diabetes. It also says the husband “had been very stressed and depressed over the couple’s financial and pain situations”.

The autopsy for Kenneth Ambrose was released on Thursday.

The report says he also died from a gunshot wound to the head, and noted that a gun was found near his body.

Holley stated that based on the preliminary results of his investigation, a home invasion, or any other entrance by an intruder has been ruled out.  However, the Sheriff stressed that the investigation was not yet complete.

“We just want to make sure we leave no stone unturned,” said Holley. “If they don’t find anything suspicious, fine; if not, we’ve learned more from the investigation.”

Holley said his office would release more information once the investigation is complete.