Authorities: Elderly couple murdered in Porterville

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Just feet away family gathers outside Clarence and Evelyn Smith's home trying to process what happened.

"They loved their family, they've got so many grand kids and great grand kids and great great grand kids and loved them all," said Lisa Smith the victims' daughter-in-law.

Lisa Smith says Tulare County Sheriff Deputies came to the home east of Porterville Sunday night. That's when they found the elderly couple dead.

Lt. Rob Schimpf of the Tulare County Sheriff Office said, "It appeared that there were signs of trauma." He says detectives quickly developed a person of interest, Kenneth Smith, 57, and tracked him down.

"They were diligent and worked throughout the night and we're very glad we were able to make contact with him," said Lt. Schimpf

Keith Smith says Kenneth is his brother, and he adds that he has a history of drug and mental health struggles.

The family said the couple met in junior high and has been married for 65 years, together most of their lives, now together in death