VIDALIA — A husband and wife are dead in an apparent murder, then suicide.

John Wesley Mize, 39, was found dead inside his house at 156 Biglane Road Tuesday morning. His wife, Patsy Lynn Mize, 45, was found dead outside the house. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Concordia Parish sheriff’s investigators were called to the scene after the couple’s landlord called 911 at 11:32 a.m.

Terry Mize of Vidalia, who is John Wesley Mize’s uncle, said he had gathered bits and pieces of the story from family members.

“I understand that he cut her throat and put the gun under his chin and shot himself,” Terry Mize said.

Terry Mize said he thought John and Patsy had been together about 10 years.

“I’ve seen them together visiting, but I didn’t know if they had any (relationship) problems.”

John Wesley Mize also has family in Waterproof and Newellton who could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The sheriff’s office is investigating and said in a press release that no further information was available at this time.

Funeral arrangements for John Wesley Mize are incomplete at Young’s Funeral Home.

Arrangements for Patsy M. Mize are incomplete at Comer Funeral Home.