COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- The man and woman found dead in a Commerce City home Monday night are being identified as a Lakewood police officer and his wife, a former officer who was staying at home to take care of their 3-month-old daughter.

William O'Shell, 36, and Tiffany O'Shell, 25, both died from apparent gunshot wounds, said Commerce City Sgt. Joe Sandoval.

Commerce City police said that William O'Shell was under investigation for alleged child abuse involving his newborn. Their investigation began on June 17, when they said he and his wife took their daughter to a hospital.

Police said the infant had multiple fractures, including a broken leg. The child was removed from the home and placed with protective services while the investigation continued.

Police said the child abuse case was being built against William O'Shell, and they were getting close to presenting the case to the district attorney's office. Initially, they had four suspects, but had narrowed their list down to one: William O'Shell, Sandoval said.

Although their bodies weren't discovered until Monday night, a next-door neighbor believes the murder-suicide may have occurred late Sunday night.

"My son and I were up late watching a movie. We had the windows open to let in some cool air. And we heard some pops," said the neighbor. "My son was startled, so I assured him that it was just fireworks. But I noted the time because it was about 12:30. A little late for fireworks. It was loud. There was a pause in between the pops. Maybe a minute or two."

Tiffany's mother discovered the couple's bodies in the home at about 6 p.m. Monday and notified police.

"Once we discovered the bodies, we exited the home and we secured a search warrant," said Sandoval.

Investigators then began searching the home, in the 11500 block of River Run Parkway, for evidence. The crime scene was cleared by daybreak Tuesday.

William had been employed with the Lakewood Police Department since March 2005 and was assigned to the patrol division. Tiffany was hired in April 2006 and resigned her position in September 2007.

Lakewood Police Chief Kevin Paletta issued a statement Tuesday saying the department is "deeply saddened by the tragic deaths."

Lakewood police said it will support and assist the Commerce City Police Department as they continue investigation.

Autopsies are being conducted to determine the time and cause of death.

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