In the quiet community of Rochester, New York, a tragedy unfolded that left neighbors and friends in shock. Margaret “Peggy” St. George, a 63-year-old woman, was found deceased in her home on February 1, 2017. The discovery was made after she failed to appear for her job at an independent living center, prompting a welfare check that would reveal a grim scene.
Upon entering the residence, authorities found Margaret and her 74-year-old husband, George F. St.
George, both with fatal gunshot wounds. A handgun was recovered at the scene, and the investigation concluded that George had shot his wife before taking his own life in a murder-suicide. The incident marked a violent end to what had been described by those who knew them as a contentious relationship in the weeks leading up to the deaths.
Further investigation into their lives revealed that Margaret had recently taken steps to end their marriage. She had filed for divorce and had begun the process of moving her belongings out of their shared home. It is believed that she was in the process of serving her husband with divorce papers around the time the murder-suicide occurred. The police confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public and continued to interview family, friends, and colleagues to gain a fuller understanding of the circumstances that led to the tragic event. Due to the nature of the incident, with the sole suspect also being deceased, there were no arrests made, and the case did not proceed to a trial. The community was left to grapple with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a couple who, despite their private struggles, were seen by some as friendly and involved members of their local community.
