Murder-suicide claims Libby couple

By ERIKA KIRSCH Western News Editor

The circumstances behind the deaths of two Libby residents involved an apparent murder-suicide.

Louise Plough, 54, allegedly shot her husband Robert Plough, 49, twice in the chest with .38 caliber revolver, according to Lincoln County Sheriff's Detective Boyd White. Louise was found with a fatal bullet wound to her throat, White continued.

Louise apparently shot Robert between 11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27 and 1 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, White said.

The two bodies were found in the Montana State Highway Department building and were visible in the front room. Robert was a part-time employee at the highway department, White explained. Louise worked for St. John's Lutheran Hospital.

The couple were allegedly in the midst of a divorce and Robert had recently been served with divorce papers, White said.

Both bodies were sent to the state crime lab for analysis. An investigation is ongoing.