The deaths of a Highlands Ranch husband and wife, found dead at their home Monday, was the result of an apparent murder-suicide, authorities said today.

The Douglas County Coroner's Office ruled that Mario Estrada suffocated his wife, Kelly Estrada, at their home, then hung himself.

Douglas County Sheriff's investigators are continuing their examination of the case and are waiting for toxicology reports, said public information officer Cocha Heyden.

On Monday afternoon, deputies found the bodies of the couple in their Highlands Ranch home in the 8900 block of South Coyote Street after receiving a 911 call.

Two months ago, Mario Estrada, 34, was arrested for pinning his wife to the ground and destroying furniture inside their home. He pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and was ordered by a Douglas County judge not to live with her.

Kelly Estrada, 36, later started the process to end their marriage, authorities said. The couple had two children, who were away when their parents died.