By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Jasper County authorities are investigating what appears to be a double homicide at a home west of Carthage.

Investigators on Sunday cordoned off a segment of Black Powder Road. The dead-end road leads to the Old Cabin Shop and a home, both owned by Robert and Ellen Sheldon.

Authorities on Sunday were withholding the identities of the victims.

Sheriff Archie Dunn said the department is investigating what appears to be the homicide of a husband and wife. He said the names likely will be released during a news conference at 9 a.m. today.

“We’re waiting on family notification,” Dunn said.

He would not say how the couple were killed or disclose any other details about the scene.

Dunn said a son of the couple’s was worried after they didn’t show up at church. The son went to their home and found the couple dead, Dunn said.

Sheriff’s Cpl. Brandi Richardson said a 911 call was received at 11:03 a.m.

Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Carthage and Webb City police departments are assisting with the investigation, Dunn said.

About 5 p.m. Sunday, police and the American Red Cross were using the parking lot of the Abou Ben Adhem Temple on Mound Street.

Onlookers — some standing, some crying and being comforted by others — waited at the staging area and at the intersection of Mound Street and Black Powder Road.

The Old Cabin Shop is located inside the 1830 home of George Hornback. The building was used as Jasper County’s first courthouse in 1841.