Ex-wife, children of Atlanta surgeon Christopher Edwards found dead in apparent murder-suicide

ATLANTA – The ex-wife and two adult children of a prominent Atlanta surgeon and housing chairman were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide.

The shooting victims were identified as Dr. Marsha Edwards, 58; Christopher Edwards Jr., 24; and Erin Edwards, 20, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Authorities say they believe Marsha Edwards shot both of her children before turning the gun on herself.

Marsha Edwards is the former wife of Dr. Christopher Edwards, an Atlanta-based orthopedic surgeon and chairman of the Atlanta Housing Authority board. He also sits on the board of trustees for the Morehouse School of Medicine.

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Police say they discovered the bodies Wednesday during a welfare check at Marsha Edwards' upscale townhouse outside Atlanta.

Dr. Christopher Edwards learned of the deaths Wednesday, according to Jeff Dickerson, a spokesman for the family.

It is unclear when the shootings happened.

"Dr. Edwards, his extended family and friends are in a state of grief and shock, and privacy of the family is paramount as arrangements are being made," Dickerson said in a statement.

The National Association of Black Journalists released a statement Thursday saying Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards Jr. and Erin Edwards were all members of the organization.

The organization "extends its condolences, prayers and thoughts to the family, friends and colleagues of Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards II and Erin Edwards," the statement said.

Christopher Edwards Jr. was a digital content manager for the Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment, according to his LinkedIn profile.

A Twitter profile for Erin Edwards says she was a digital intern for NBC New York and a student at Boston University.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta surgeon's ex-wife, children dead in apparent murder-suicide