Father shoots son and then himself

A father and son are dead after an apparent murder suicide. Authorities say an 8-year old boy is dead today after his father shot him and then turned the gun on himself. Officials with the Cherokee County Sheriffs` Department say 38-year old Russell Graham is responsible for the crime. The incident happened just before midnight Friday night at the graham home at 619 North Pennsylvania Street in Columbus, Kansas. Deputies say they had recieved a report of a possible domestic situation, but upon arrival to the home authorities say Graham saw the officers and then turned the gun on himself. Once inside the home officials found Graham`s 8-year old son dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Officials say the shooting could be related to the recent marital problems Graham had been facing with the child`s mother. Authorities say Graham is no stranger to the law. According to reports he was arrested July 23rd on domestic battery charges.Officials say they have taken the 12-gauge shotgun in for evidence. The bodies of both victims have been sent to Topeka for an autopsy. Reported By: Courtney Cullor