Two women found dead in burning apartment

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LAS VEGAS - Police were trying to determine if two women found dead in a burning apartment were victims of a double slaying or a murder-suicide.

Clark County firefighters quickly discovered two bodies in a rear bedroom shortly after being called to the apartment fire in south Las Vegas about 6:37 p.m. Friday, Las Vegas police Sgt. Rocky Alby said.

"They had both suffered burns and trauma to the body," Alby said. "Either both have been murdered or one was murdered and the other committed suicide. We just don't know yet. It's too early to tell."

One victim was identified as 44-year-old Elizabeth Alexander. The name of the second victim was not released, pending notification of relatives.

Alby said the nature of the trauma to the bodies raised the possibility that one of the women may have committed suicide. He declined to elaborate.

Police won't know for sure what happened until autopsies are conducted by the Clark County coroner's office.

There were no signs of a break-in, Alby said.

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