KENLY, N.C. — Johnston County deputies found two people dead in a home off Highway 222 West Wednesday.

The residence was on Stancil Road near Kenly, west of Interstate 95 and Highway 222.

The bodies were those of a husband and wife. Authorities identified them as 41-year-old David Christopher Bryant and 34-year-old Lillian Denise Bryant.

A spokeswoman for the Johnston County Sheriff's Office said both victims were shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide.

Investigators declined to say who they believe was the attacker.

The couple had a history of domestic problems, and spokeswoman Tammy Amaon said a gun was recovered from the scene. A preliminary investigation turned up no sign of anyone else having been there.

Deputies said they were called by people concerned when Lillian Bryant failed to show up for work.

The Bryants had a 16-year-old son who was at a friend's house overnight. He arrived home as police were on the scene.

In May, authorities charged David Bryant with assault for beating his wife. Deputies said he was drunk when he hit her on the side of her face and pushed her against a fence, cutting her arm.

"It's very unfortunate that a domestic situation got the heightened degree where it ends like this," Sheriff Steve Bizzell said, "very unfortunate leaving a child behind."