Two people were found dead Wednesday afternoon in an apparent murder-suicide that took place about one block behind a motorcycle dealership.

Police believe Ryan Keith Farmer, 22, entered the south half of a duplex at 1420 Northeast 27th St. and murdered Leslie Lemons, 26, before taking his own life. Lemons was shot once in the torso and once in the head. Farmer suffered a single shotgun blast to the head that police believe was self-inflicted.

A shotgun was recovered at the crime scene.

Lemons and Farmer did not live together, but they had dated. The landlord told witnesses at the scene that Lemons moved in near the beginning of September.

A co-worker of Lemons called 9-1-1 about 1:33 p.m. Wednesday after finding Farmer's body. The co-worker was checking on Lemons after she did not return from her lunch break. The front door was open, and the co-worker entered to find Farmer dead. Police found Lemons dead when they entered the house.

Dozens of people watched as both bodies were removed from the house by police and funeral home officials.

Justice of the Peace Ernie Sparks pronounced both dead at the scene and ordered autopsies.

Police continue to examine the case, and Sgt. Shane Boatwright is lead investigator. Officers cleared the scene about 6:30 p.m. The mobile crime scene unit was on hand to serve as a command center and act as a command post.

Farmer had a history of misdemeanor arrests.

The murder is the second homicide of 2006. The body of Lanny Joe Walker was found Feb. 25 near the John S. Chisum monument in the 1100 block of West Washington Street. The case remains unsolved.

Funeral arrangements for Farmer are pending with Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. No information on funeral arrangments for Lemons was available at press time.