Police were called to a home in East Brandywine Township in Chester County shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday to investigate what they are calling an apparent murder-suicide.
Police Chief Mark Kocsi said the two were married but apparently separated at the time of the shooting.
Police say it appears the man, 42-year-old Eric Aston, shot his estranged wife, 41-year-old Audra Aston of Coatesville. She was airlifted to Crozer-Chester Medical Center where she later died of a single gunshot wound to the head.
They say Eric Aston was found in the rear of the property and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple's 11-year-old son had been staying at his parent's home. Police say Audra Aston had come to take their son out to dinner when the shooting happened.
Neighbors were stunned by this crime.
"Absolutely shocking. Can't believe anything like this could possibly happen here," said Judy Flannery.
Although authorities provided no details as to the circumstances leading to the shooting, they are classifying the incident as a domestic related murder-suicide.
