Ada County coroner identifies 2 Idahoans found dead in apparent murder/suicide

The Ada County Coroner’s Office on Wednesday identified the man and woman who died in an apparent murder/suicide outside a home near the Pleasant Valley and Kuna-Mora roads intersection on Monday night.

Denise Morris, 50, and Russell Morris Jr., 51, both of Kuna, were declared dead at the scene, according to the coroner’s office. Each died of a gunshot wound.

The Ada County Sheriff’s Office reported that it is still investigating the shooting, which occurred outside of the home in the 16000 block of south Vista Avenue. Detectives said there was evidence that the man and woman had an argument just prior to the shooting, sometime after 8 p.m. Monday.

The bodies were spotted by a bus driver Tuesday morning, and authorities then responded.

This story was originally published February 3, 2021 at 2:31 PM.

Ruth Brown

Idaho Statesman

208-377-6207

Reporter Ruth Brown covers the criminal justice and correctional systems in Idaho. She focuses on breaking news, public safety and social justice. Prior to coming to the Idaho Statesman, she was a reporter at the Idaho Press-Tribune, the Bakersfield Californian and the Idaho Falls Post Register.