Sheriff releases names of couple found shot dead

Douglas County sheriff's deputies Wednesday identified Jon Peter Zegers, 60, and Marie Elsie Zegers, 57, as the couple found shot dead in their Gardnerville Ranchos home Tuesday.

Evidence found in the home indicates a .22-caliber rifle was used in what investigators determined was a murder-suicide, said sheriff's Sgt. Lance Modispacher.

Modispacher said the Jon Zegers shot his wife in the head with a single shot then turned the gun on himself. He was shot once in the head, the sheriff's sergeant said.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the shooting may have been prompted by financial trouble the couple was having, Modispacher said. But he said the reason for the shooting still was not clear Wednesday after investigators had spoken with family members.

The Zegers' deaths were reported about 1:35 p.m. Tuesday. Their bodies are believed to have been discovered by the couple's 35-year-old son, Jon P. Zegers, in the rented home.

Modispacher said Jon Zegers was retired, but it was not know if Marie Zegers was employed.