Officials: Girl was killed by boy in murder-suicide

Officials say a girl killed in a murder-suicide in western Minnesota was shot multiple times by a boy, who then turned the gun on himself.

Otter Tail County Sheriff Brian Schlueter says Tabitha Lee Belmonte, 16, was found dead Monday of multiple gunshot wounds in a house near Amor. Dylan Taylor Cox, 17, had a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital, where he died Tuesday.

Sheriff's Lt. Matt McGuire tells The Daily Journal of Fergus Falls that Cox shot Belmonte.

Officials are releasing few details about the teens' relationship, but say they both lived at the house with Cathy and Darrin Cox.

Belmonte was a student at Perham High School, and Cox was a former student there.

The investigation is ongoing.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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