Alabama Woman Murdered By Her Husband Weeks After Protection Against Him Is Lifted

An Alabama man killed his wife and then himself just a few weeks after a protection order against him was lifted.

Martella Tyler, 40, and Justin Tyler, 43, were married for more than 8 years, but this past Sunday morning, at around 2 a.m., their bodies were found after firefighters put out a fire at their residence. No exact details have emerged about how the couple died, but police believe Justin murdered his wife and committed suicide.

Authorities’ theory about the case comes after Justin was previously arrested over a domestic violence incident that took place back in February, reports the Trussville Tribune. Three days later, Martella was given a protective order against Justin, saying he brutally beat her and stabbed her.

On May 12, the two showed up in court, requesting that the order be dismissed. The couple didn’t explain why they wanted the order to be lifted, but the order was subsequently dropped PEOPLE reports.

Martella was described as a hard-working real estate agent who always was smiling and laughing.