A former Maui police officer shot his wife to death before shooting himself, according to Maui police.

Police released the identities yesterday of the man and woman killed in what police called a murder-suicide case as Barry Alford, 59, and his wife, Karolyn, 58, of Makawao.

Autopsy results indicated that Barry Alford died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. His death was classified as a suicide. His wife died from two gunshot wounds, one to the head and one to the chest, police said. Her death was classified as a homicide.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police said Barry Alford joined the Maui Police Department on April 16, 1985, and resigned two years later. He was rehired in June 1990 and resigned as a lieutenant in November 2000. Less than 2 1/2 years later, Alford was rehired again as a sergeant and resigned on April 30, 2008.

In a statement, Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta said, “;We are saddened for the family of the late Barry and Karolyn Alford. The department will be missing a fine former employee. Former Sgt. Alford was a dependable employee until he decided to resign in April 2008.”;

Property tax records show the couple moved into the three-bedroom home at 310 Iini Way in September 1992 when the subdivision was first developed in Makawao.

Neighbor Becky Serrato said she never thought something like this would happen in their quiet neighborhood where everyone helps one another. “;They were very good people. They never bothered anybody,”; she said.

Police responded to a 911 call of domestic abuse with possible gunshots at 10:15 p.m. Monday.

Serrato said she was watching television when her husband and son heard three gunshots. Her son told her it could have been hunters since there's a gulch behind the Alfords' home. But 15 minutes later, the Serratos realized something was wrong after police, firefighters and paramedics arrived at their neighbors' home.

Serrato said she didn't know Barry Alford well, but often spoke to Karolyn Alford. “;She was a very outgoing and friendly person,”; she said, noting that Karolyn Alford was once employed with Kapalua Land Co. Ltd.

During the holidays, she made fudge and baked cookies for her neighbors and their children, Serrato said.

Serrato said she will remember her conversations with Karolyn Alford and her smile. “;My heart is so broken for her,”; she said.

The couple is survived by a daughter.