Fort Bragg Soldier From Kentucky Killed In Murder-Suicide

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) -- A soldier shot to death hours after she returned from Iraq on a rest break was an equipment records and parts specialist for an airborne communications unit.

Sgt. Ronna R. Valentine, 28, of Brandenburg, Ky., and a member of the 327th Signal Battalion of the 35th Signal Brigade, said a statement released Tuesday by Fort Bragg.

Valentine joined the Army in 1997 and deployed to Iraq in November.

"All of the soldiers in the motor pool, where she worked, looked up to her and wanted to be like her, a selfless and dedicated leader," said Lt. Col. Chuck Gabrielson, commander of the 327th Signal Battalion.

Fayetteville police said Valentine was shot by her husband, James Valentine, 42, who then turned the gun on himself Saturday afternoon. Police said they received a call from a man who said he just shot his wife and was about to turn the gun on himself. Officers found the couple dead inside their apartment.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)