SILVER CREEK — A Sontag couple were found dead in their carWednesday evening in Silver Creek, according to sheriff’sdepartment officials.

R.J. Hathorn, 46, and his wife, Darlene Davis Hathorn, 44, ofSontag were found in their 1995 Green Ford Escort in the woods near1220 East St. Stephens Road in Silver Creek, said Lawrence CountySheriff’s Department Investigator Jimmy Barton.

“We received a call around 8:30 p.m. July 3 that a car had beenfound in the woods with two people in it, and the people were notresponding,” Barton said.

When deputies responded they found R.J. Hathorn behind the wheelof the car and his wife in the passenger seat.

“They were the victims of apparent gunshot wounds,” Bartonsaid.

Darlene Hathorn had been shot several times, he said, and herhusband once.

A .38 caliber revolver and several bullet casings were foundinside the car, Barton said.

The investigator said they are not likely to know more in thecase until after the weekend because the state crime lab is closedfor the holiday, delaying the return of evidence.

The Brookhaven Highway Patrol Criminal Investigative Divisionand coroners with the Lawrence and Jefferson Davis County Coroner’sOffices are helping with the investigation.