The ex-wife and two adult children of a prominent Atlanta surgeon and housing chairman were found deadin an apparent murder-suicide.

The shooting victims were identified asDr. Marsha Edwards, 58; Christopher EdwardsJr., 24; and Erin Edwards, 20, according to theAtlanta Journal Constitution.

Authoritiessay they believe Marsha Edwards shot both of her childrenbefore turning the gun on herself.

Marsha Edwards is the former wife ofDr. ChristopherEdwards,an Atlanta-based orthopedic surgeon and chairman of the Atlanta Housing Authority board. He also sits on the board of trustees for the Morehouse Schoolof Medicine.

Police say they discovered the bodies Wednesday during a welfare check at Marsha Edwards'upscale townhouse outside of Atlanta.

Dr. Christopher Edwards learned of the deaths Wednesday, according to Jeff Dickerson, a spokesman for the family.

It is unclear when the shootings happened.

“Dr. Edwards, his extended family and friends are in a state of grief and shock, and privacy of the family is paramount as arrangements are being made,” Dickerson said in a statement.

The National Association of Black Journalists released a statement Thursday sayingMarsha Edwards,Christopher EdwardsJr. and Erin Edwards were all members of the organization.

The organisation “extends its condolences, prayers and thoughts to the family, friends and colleagues of Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards II and Erin Edwards,” the statement said.

Christopher Edwards Jr. was a digital content manager for the Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film and Entertainment, according to his LinkedIn profile.

A Twitter profile for Erin Edwards says she was adigital intern for NBC New York and a student at Boston University.(USATODAY)