Authorities: Smith County shooting was assault/suicide

LINDALE — Officials now say a Smith County double shooting incident was an aggravated assault and suicide. According to a sheriff’s office news release, deputies responded around 12:45 Monday afternoon to a scene on Highway 69 north of Lindale, finding a deceased male and still-conscious female. The woman was taken to a hospital. An updated release says officials have determined George Herndon, 44, shot his wife with a small caliber handgun and fatally turned the gun on himself shortly thereafter. Officials say The victim is still in the hospital, in serious but stable condition. Her name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.