Eldery couple's death in St. Clair Shores ruled murder-suicide

Police are officially calling an incident that left an elderly couple dead in St. Clair Shores a murder-suicide.

"It seemed to be a quiet couple and neighbors all said they kept to themselves and appeared nice," said St. Clair Shores Police Sgt. Matt McCallister.

Police discovered 92-year-old Norman Patterson's lifeless body floating not far from the shore in Lake St. Clair on Thursday afternoon near 12 Mile and Jefferson Avenue.

'Blood all over': Saint Clair Shores elderly couple found dead

"About a street away we found his vehicle registered to him, which led us to the address on 12 Mile," McCallister said.

Police did not suspect foul play until they walked into the couple's home and found 82-year-old Marieta Patterson dead.

"Laying in bed, obvious signs of trauma to her face and neck," McCallister said.

Police also found an object inside that was used to kill her, but did not reveal what it was. Neighbors, after speaking with Norman's son, say it appeared Marieta had been brutally beaten.

"Said blood all over the place. And there was dried blood," said Andy Saldana.

Neighbors saw police speak with Norman's son and tow away his car, but McCallister said the nothing led police to believe the son had anything to do with the incident.

While police still try to piece together a motive, sources say Norman Patterson had no clear signs of mental difficulties like dementia. The only odd moment neighbor and friend Andy Saldana can recall happened just a few days prior. Norman had been admitted to the hospital for low blood pressure. His family worried because he hadn't been acting like himself.

"He was talking funny. His son says he couldn't understand him," Saldana said.

Meanwhile, police are still awaiting toxicology results Monday, though they say it's apparent Norman Patterson killed himself not long after killing his wife.

"It was a shock. It's hard to say what was going through his mind," McCallister said.