Posted on: March 30, 2025 11:30 AM

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State Police investigate a death in the town of Gouverneur

An investigation has revealed that a shooting incident occurred on Fox Farm Road in the town of Gouverneur, involving a male suspect who shot a female victim. The State Police executed multiple search warrants and processed the scene to gather evidence. The two deceased individuals have been identified as Sheila M. Van Norton, age 66, and Thomas H. Van Norton, age 68, both from Gouverneur, NY.

On March 27, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., an autopsy was performed at Canton-Potsdam Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Scott F. LaPoint. The autopsy for Sheila M. Van Norton determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The autopsy for Thomas H. Van Norton established that the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and this was ruled a suicide.

On March 26, 2025, the New York State Police responded to a residence on Fox Farm Road in the town of Gouverneur, where they discovered two deceased individuals. Upon arrival, Troopers found a deceased female and a deceased male, inside the residence. As a result, the Troop B Forensic Investigation Unit was called in to process the scene.

Authorities have stated that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

An autopsy will be performed today, March 27, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Canton Potsdam Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Scott F. LaPoint to determine the cause and manner of death.

This is an ongoing investigation.

On March 26, 2025, at approximately 8:56 p.m., members of the New York State Police responded to Fox Farm Road in the town of Gouverneur for a welfare check on two elderly individuals. Upon arrival, the troopers discovered two deceased individuals inside the residence.

This investigation is ongoing.

From NYSP