Investigators: Killings ruled a murder-suicide

ENID, Okla. (AP) _ A couple's volatile relationship apparently ended in their deaths. <br/><br/>James Paul Block fatally shot Wilma Ellen Rash, 44, at close range and then killed himself earlier this

Saturday, August 28th 2004, 9:38 am

By: News On 6

ENID, Okla. (AP) _ A couple's volatile relationship apparently ended in their deaths.

James Paul Block fatally shot Wilma Ellen Rash, 44, at close range and then killed himself earlier this week, the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's office ruled Friday.

Evidence found at the scene supported the coroner's conclusion of a murder-suicide, police said.

Officers responding to neighbors' calls of a foul odor coming from Block's home found the pair's bodies about 9:17 p.m. Thursday.

Enid police Sgt. Eric Holtzclaw said investigators estimated Rash and Block had been dead for at least 24 hours. Temperatures soared into the upper 90s in the region on Wednesday and Thursday.

A handgun believed to have been used in the killings was retrieved, as were three to four rifles, police said.