Airman Found Dead in Suspected Double Murder-Suicide in Wyoming

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F.E. Warren Air Force Base (U.S. Air Force photo)
F.E. Warren Air Force Base (U.S. Air Force photo)

An airman from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, was found dead off base early Tuesday morning in a suspected murder-suicide, according to local authorities.

Airman Abigail M. Smith, of the 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron, was identified as a victim in the crime, according to separate statements from the Air Force and the Cheyenne Police Department.

"The Cheyenne Police Department is investigating a double homicide and suicide," the department said in a Facebook post.

"Shortly after midnight on October 1, officers received information that a homicide had occurred and responded to Romero Park (1317 Parsley Blvd)," officials said. The location is roughly three miles from the base.

Related: F.E. Warren Security Forces Commander Relieved Following Investigation

Officers arrived on scene to find three people dead from apparent gunshot wounds, the police said.

The three individuals involved in the incident were Smith, 24; Michael Tolar, 44; and Brian Perkins, 46.

"From the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that Perkins met with Tolar and Smith in the parking lot of Romero Park. Perkins then shot Smith and Tolar before shooting himself," according to police.

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) is working with local authorities as both agencies conduct their investigations, said 90th Missile Wing spokeswoman Staff Sgt. Ashley Sokolov.

"Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those affected by this incident. Airmen and families define our Air Force; they are and always will be our top priority. Losing one is too many," said Col. Peter M. Bonetti, 90th Missile Wing commander.

The news comes after a recent shooting incident that took an airman's life at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Tech. Sgt. Zachary Firlik, a flight chief with the 55th Security Forces Squadron, and his wife were found dead Saturday night at the Rising View privatized housing complex near the base after an apparent shooting, according to Air Force Times.

Few details have been released about the incident. The Omaha World-Herald reported the AFOSI detachment at Offutt is conducting a separate investigation into the matter.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.

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