The Haysville Times
By Angie Gumm
Tradegy struck Haysville again this week as a local couple died in what appears to be a murder-suicide.
Sheri and Matthew Samuels, 38 and 39-years-old, respectively, attended high school together in Bel Plaine, KS, where they dated since the beginning of their freshman year, according to a high school friend.
“Sheri was a cheerleader, on the pompom squad, a very good student,” said the friend who wished to remain anonymous.
“Matt was a real quiet, nice guy-he was a jock in high school. He probably never hurt anyone in his life,” he said. “That’s what really makes this thing beyond belief.”
“They were probably the only one either had ever loved. They were very nice, good people. This is really a shock.”
According to the Haysville Police Department, the couple was believed to be in the middle of a divorce. On Wednesday afternoon the police released preliminary autopsy reports that showed that the husband and wife had each died of a single gunshot wound, both of which appear to have been fired by the husband.
A neighbor, who also wished to remain anonymous, said the Samuels were, “very good neighbors.” Sheri was a scheduler at Boeing. Another neighbor said that Matt was involved in helping coach his children’s athletic activities.
Their son and daughter, who attended Rex Elementary, were also in the home during the deaths. The children went to neighbors to call 911.