Ex-New Jersey county clerk, husband fatally shot

DENVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities have confirmed a former Morris County clerk who was well-known in Republican political circles was shot to death in her home and her husband committed suicide.

Morris County prosecutor Fredric Knapp said Friday that Joan Bramhall died as a result of "homicide caused by a gunshot wound inflicted on her." Knapp says John Bramhall died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police in Denville were called to the scene Thursday morning after a family member reported finding one of the bodies. Police didn't find any evidence of intrusion into the house.

Joan Bramhall was 74 and retired in December after serving 15 years as county clerk. Friends tell The Daily Record of Parsippany she had been treated for cancer several years ago.

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