R.I. couple found dead in septic system

WARREN, R.I., July 26 (UPI) -- Two bodies found early Saturday in the septic system cesspool at a Rhode Island couple's home are believed to be those of the missing couple, authorities said.

A family member was in custody in the July 14 disappearance of Marian and James Soares but no charges had been filed, the Warren Times-Gazette reported.

State police said authorities had not yet positively identified the bodies but investigators were proceeding on the assumption the bodies were those of the missing couple. The couple has a son, James Soares Jr., the newspaper said.

"Indications are that a family member is involved," State Police Maj. Steve O'Donnell said. "It's definitely a homicide."

Warren police were alerted to the couple's disappearance by a sister of Marian Soares, who told them she had not seen her sister since July 7.

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