By Craig Anderson

SMYRNA — A 47-year-old Smyrna man accused of fatally shooting his 38-year-old wife in the Smyrna Middle School parking lot Tuesday morning later died after he shot himself during a police pursuit into Maryland, Delaware State Police announced Wednesday.

Additionally, a 21-year-old woman  was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds inside her residence in the 800 block of McLane Gardens apartment complex during a welfare check by police later Tuesday. Authorities said information had been received that there could be a second victim who was an acquaintance of the deceased woman.

The couple had arrived together at the school at 700 Duck Creek Parkway to pick up their daughter for a medical visit, when a verbal argument escalated, police said. Troopers were called to the scene at approximately 10:26 a.m., authorities said.

According to DSP, the husband pulled his wife back into a vehicle and shot her after the verbal exchange outside. The woman was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the shooting, according to authorities, the man left the school area in his wife’s vehicle and then entered a vehicle registered to him that was parked nearby.

DSP spokesman Cpl. Jason Hatchell said troopers located the man at approximately 11:02 a.m., as he was driving in the area of U.S. 13 and Del. 42. A vehicle pursuit ended when his car left a roadway and crashed in the Galena, Maryland, area.

The man was pronounced dead after transport to a local hospital in Maryland, police said.

The bodies were turned over to the Division of Forensic Science, where  autopsies will be performed to determine the manner and cause of death, DSP said.

DSP and Smyrna police continue the investigation into what Cpl. Hatchell described as a “suspected murder/suicide incident.” No motive has been established, he said.

There is no concern for public safety, police said.

The names of the three deceased persons are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, according to Cpl. Hatchell.

Authorities asked anyone with information to contact Sgt. Yeich with the DSP Homicide Unit at 741-2703. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or by visiting here.

A candlelight vigil at George C. Wright Jr. Municipal Park is planned for Thursday at 7 p.m.

Early Wednesday afternoon, Smyrna Mayor Robert Johnson said, “For a small community this is devastating because we’re close and not used to this happening. This is going to make the town stronger.

“We’re going to unite because we always have, we’re one big family here.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.