Elderly couple dead in apparent murder-suicide in Hazelwood

Apr. 26—Waynesville Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the Hazelwood community Friday morning.

Richard Stuart Hoyle, 89, and Ellen Rhodes Hoyle, 85, were found dead in their home at 15 Mississippi Avenue.

Waynesville Police Chief David Adams said it appeared that Richard Hoyle killed Ellen Hoyle and then himself.

The couple were both in bad health, and the wife had cancer, according to neighbors. The incident appeared to be planned.

Richard Hoyle called 911 around 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, and informed the dispatcher that there would be shots fired.

Officers were then dispatched to the scene and tried to get an answer at the door.

"After a few minutes, officers made entry to check and render aid if needed," Adams said.

Richard Hoyle's call to 911 prior ahead of time ensured the couple was found in a timely manner.

"I'm so so saddened by this," neighbor Alex McKay said in a post on Facebook. "In one of our last talks a couple months ago, he mentioned they had been trying to figure out what to do for their remaining years."

McKay, a local historian, said Richard was the grandson of Jules Hoyle, who was Justice of the Peace in the early 1900s and swore in Hazelwood's first mayor and aldermen when the town was incorporated in 1905.

The home is across the street from the Folkmoot Friendship Center.

"Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss and navigating emotional turmoil," said Marga Fripp, a therapist with the Pollinator's Foundation located in the Folkmoot building.

Fripp said The Pollinators Foundation is offering free emotional support services to neighbors, friends, and family affected by the loss. People in need of support can contact Fripp at 828-424-1398 or margacfripp@gmail.com.

Adams emphasized there is no threat to the community. The Hoyles bought the home on Mississippi Avenue in August 2020.