Police: Richmond suicide linked to recent murder

RICHMOND, Ind. (WISH) - A man found dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday in Richmond is the former boyfriend of a teacher killed there late last month.

Restaurateur Billy Nakis was found shot Tuesday inside his home in the 1500 block of Chester Blvd. Police identified him as the former boyfriend of Tonawanda Thompson , who was found fatally shot inside a car in the Wayne County city on April 30. Police told 24-Hour News 8 that Nakis was the father of Thompson's unborn child, who was also killed in the shooting on April 30. She was just a few weeks from giving birth.

Nakis was taken to Reid Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The weapon found at the scene Tuesday was not the same used in Thompson's killing, police said Tuesday.

Right after Thompson's murder, investigators said Nakis voluntarily visited the police department and talked with detectives for a considerable amount of time.

"He was not what we describe as a person of interest, he was not listed as a suspect. However, he was not ruled out as a potential suspect," said Richmond Police Officer Ron Pennington.

Police have not indicated that they consider anyone a suspect or person of interest in the killing.

Officer Pennington said there was a suicide note found at the scene. He said the note simply said, "I'm Sorry."

The only potential lead police had made public was a suspicious man seen sleeping in a car in the area before the shooting. Richmond Police Department said the investigation is still active. Anyone with tips or information is asked to call the Richmond Police Department at 765-983-7247.

Check back with wishtv.com for updates on this developing story.