Wilson, N.C. — Wilson County authorities say they are following several leads in a double homicide in which the victims were dead for several days before a concerned relative found their bodies Sunday afternoon.

"We're interviewing some people. We've got some people that we feel are giving us some information that is important to this case, and we hope to be able to bring it to a conclusion -- hopefully later today," Sheriff Wayne Gay said Monday.

The bodies of Danny Richardson, 30, of Wilson, and Lathosa West, 23, of Grifton, were found inside the master bedroom at a house at 4574 Evansdale Road at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators said it appears that the couple knew the assailant because there was no sign of forced entry and nothing taken from the house. They do not know, however, what kind of weapon was used and have not said how they died.

"Had they been found immediately after they were murdered, it would have been easier," he said. "Obviously, they've been there for a few days, so you've got some problems there."

Investigators said Richardson and West had been dating for about five months. West was an Army reservist who had apparently been visiting Richardson.

West's mother reported her missing to Pitt County deputies on Friday, and authorities went to the residence with West's mother over the weekend looking for her. They saw her car but left when no one came to the door.

Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation and sheriff's deputies searched the victims' vehicles and the residence for clues after the bodies were discovered. K-9 units also searched the neighborhood for evidence.

"It's tragic, because we really have no explanation for (the deaths) right now," Gay said.