This is a press release courtesy of the Crook County Sheriff's Office

On October 23, 2007 at about 1 p.m., the Crook County Sheriff's office responded to a welfare check at 4800 Northeast Mill Creek Road in Prineville. When Deputies arrived at the scene they discovered that someone had used heavy equipment  to move a steel 5th-wheel frame to block the driveway of the residence which was located about 200 yards from the home.

The neighbors told deputies they had attempted to check on the elderly homeowners earlier and were concerned after the couple did not answer the door and there was no sign of the several large dogs they owned.

Deputies proceeded on foot to the residence and discovered a strong gas odor outside the residence. After checking further it was discovered there was a 1981 Cadillac Eldorado running inside a locked garage. Deputies breached the door and checked for any victims of the heavy Carbon Monoxide fumes and discovered the door to the tri-level home had been propped open with a rock.

The vehicle was turned off and the garage doors were opened before the deputies proceeded to another door outside the residence.

After deputies discovered the outside door from a deck on the 2nd level was locked they breached that door and discovered the body of Raymond Donaca, age 71. Along with Mr. Donaca were three Golden Retrievers that were also deceased.

The deputies continued to check the residence and found the body of Deanna Donaca, age 69 in the upstairs bedroom and another Golden Retriever at the top of the stairs who was deceased.

Deputies worked through the hazardous fumes and attempted to open the windows and doors of the home so they could investigate the scene. The Crook County Fire Rescue were called to assist after the deputies on scene began feeling sick from the carbon monoxide fumes.

Fire personnel brought a large fan and breathing apparatus for the deputies to use during their investigation.

At this time it is believed that the Donaca's committed suicide after attempts to save their home following a foreclosure notice left them believing they had few options.

The two sergeants and one deputy involved in the investigation were later treated and released at Pioneer Memorial Hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning after suffering the ill effects from the fumes.