News 12 is learning new information about the couple involved in what sources tell News 12 was a murder-suicide in the Town of Poughkeepsie — a tragedy that claimed the life of a husband and wife.

Sources identify the pair as 55-year-old Debbie Lopez and her husband, 60-year-old Peter Lopez. People close to them shared photos of the couple with News 12, showing them as they want them remembered.

Town of Poughkeepsie police say officers were called to the home on Homer Place Wednesday afternoon for a welfare check. Inside, they found the husband and wife deceased in the foyer of the home.

Police say there were no signs of forced entry and that there is no danger to the public.

Neighbors say the loss has shaken the community.

"Everybody is shocked. Everybody is upset. They were a very nice family. I never heard of anything other than yesterday always saw them walking their dog and decorating for the holidays so it’s really sad," said one neighbors who lives a few doors down from the Lopez family.

Sources close to the couple say Debbie Lopez worked as a Metro-North manager, while Peter Lopez was a local auto mechanic and hot-rod enthusiast.

They had three adult children, including a son on the autism spectrum who relied heavily on his mother.

While sources say the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, police have not confirmed that. Investigators have not released their names and say they will not reveal the cause or manner of death until autopsy results are complete and remain tight-lipped as the investigation continues.

Domestic violence advocates say cases like this can follow a troubling and familiar pattern — particularly during the holidays.

Leigh Feldman, CEO of Dutchess County Family Services, told News 12 that domestic violence incidents can increase in both number and severity during this time of year due to factors such as financial strain, alcohol use, disrupted routines, increased isolation, and more time spent together at home.

National research shows domestic violence calls to police increase by roughly 20% during the holiday season, and studies consistently show that the majority of murder-suicides in the United States involve intimate partners, most often occurring inside the home. Firearms are involved in the vast majority of those cases.

This is the second case of deadly intimate partner violence in the Hudson Valley in just one week. Last Friday, authorities say a man killed his girlfriend inside an adult care facility in Port Jervis.

In Poughkeepsie, the focus now remains on what happened inside the home — a sudden tragedy that has left loved ones and the community searching for answers.

News 12 has asked Town of Poughkeepsie police for additional information about the case, including whether there was any prior law-enforcement activity involving the home or family, and is awaiting a response.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

In Dutchess County, confidential support is available 24 hours a day through the Family Services Domestic Violence Hotline at 845-485-5550.

In Orange and Sullivan counties, Fearless! provides 24/7 support, advocacy, and shelter services. Their confidential hotline number is 845-562-5340.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.