A possible domestic dispute turned deadly for an Alabama family after a mother and her 9-year-old son where shot to death, a local sheriff said.

Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton said deputies were called at approximately 10 p.m. Tuesday to a residence on Glen Gap Road in the Highland/Tabor community.

Deputies arrived to find an adult woman and a juvenile boy suffering from gunshot wounds.

Deputies attempted life-saving measures, Horton said, until emergency medical staff arrived, but their attempts were not successful. The pair were pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies took two people — a man and a woman – into custody for questioning, the sheriff said.

The woman who was detained was reportedly released, but the man remained in custody.

The sheriff would not immediately release the names of the victims pending next of kin.

“Any death is always difficult for everyone involved, but one involving a juvenile is especially hard on all emergency first responders. We are extremely saddened and send our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.” Horton said.