A quiet neighborhood in Athens was shaken Friday morning after two people were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a home in the Watercress subdivision.

Police responded to the residence near the intersection of Blair Road and Watercress Drive around 9:30 a.m. on April 10, 2026, according to Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased inside the home. Limestone County Coroner Mike West later confirmed that both victims died as a result of gunshot injuries.

Authorities have centered their investigation at the residence as detectives work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Officials stated there is currently no ongoing threat to the public, offering some reassurance to residents as the investigation continues.

The incident has left neighbors in the typically quiet subdivision stunned, with many expressing shock that such violence could occur so close to home.

While officials have not yet publicly released the identities of the victims, online reports have identified them as Danny and Sabrina Bates, a married couple from Athens. Authorities have not confirmed those reports and are expected to provide additional details as the investigation develops.