Couple bleed to death in murder-suicide

Authorities say a Philadelphia-area husband and wife bled to death in a murder-suicide in which a chain saw was used.

Montgomery County Coroner Walter Hofman said Wednesday that 48-year-old Christopher Peppelman killed his wife, 41-year-old Nicole Peppelman, and took his own life.

Hofman said both suffered "gaping, sharp-force injuries" to the abdomen and in the husband's case, also to the right thigh.

Police in Lower Moreland Township had said the couple's son found them unresponsive, "with lacerations from a chain saw," on Tuesday.

The autopsy found Nicole Peppelman was also choked and stabbed.

A chain saw and a knife were recovered.

First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele says "it is apparent that the chain saw was at least one item used in this tragic event."

Results of toxicology tests are pending.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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