A man in Long Island, New York, reportedly shot his wife dead then turned the gun on himself after the two got into an explosive argument about the end of their relationship, said police.

Patrick Myrthil, of Elmont, used an illegal 9 mm handgun to shoot his wife, Tertue Gregoire, 30, several times on Saturday, reported News 12 Long Island.

According to police, Gregoire reportedly asked for a divorce from Myrthil, 31, which caused their dispute to ultimately result in violence.

After fatally shooing his wife, Myrthil then lay down with her and shot himself, said police.

A 911 call reporting the incident came in around noon.

Police arrived at the home to find the couple with apparent gunshot wounds. Although authorities remained on the scene for hours, the investigation is still ongoing.