DUMFRIES, Va. - Police say a Dumfries, Va., couple found dead inside their home are the victims of an apparent murder-suicide.

Authorities responded to the 3000 block of Sigel Court where the couple was found dead Thursday night.

After knocking on her neighbor's front door for two days without answer, Abigail Robertson says she knew something was wrong. "They would [have answered] the door by now -- but only the dogs [were] trying to tear down the door," she said.

Neighbors say the husband and wife, identified as Julie and Wallis Fay, had lived in the home for the past 17 years. They describe the two as friendly and were shocked to hear what happened.

"When this happens there are no words to describe how I feel right now -- it's just crazy," said Robertson.

"[It's] sad just because of everything that's been going on with them and the home I think that hit bottom for them," added Paulette Dodds, a neighbor.

For the past two months the couple had allegedly been facing financial troubles. Neighbors say the couple had fallen behind on mortgage payments and tried to refinance their home but ended up being evicted and had to be out of the house by Saturday.

Neighbors say the couple planned to move to Colorado to live with Julie Fay's sister. Now, empty packing boxes sit outside the front door -- a sign of a move that will never happen.

Beatrice Fortune says she would often pray with the couple and says she last spoke to Wallis Fay around 10 p.m. Tuesday when he told her the company he worked for wouldn't be able to transfer him to a position in Denver.

"He said I don't know what to do I'm at my last straw. But I didn't think this was going to occur," she said.

Neighbors say the couple tried everything to keep their home, trying to rent it from the person who now owns it and even writing letters to members of Congress. Neighbors say the home was said to be the couple's pride and joy.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.

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