Murder-suicide shooter had criminal history

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - Police say the person responsible for a murder-suicide Friday night had a shaky relationship with his victim and the law.

The apparent gunman, 45-year-old Mark A. Hope had a lengthy criminal history in addition to failed attempts at rehabilitation.

Our partners at the Herald Bulletin report he was on probation Friday, when he apparently shot his 46-year-old ex-girlfriend Susan Kidd.

Investigators say Hope drove his gray Jeep Liberty SUV into the yard and through the front door of Kidd's home in the 1900 block of Tamarack Road at about 5 p.m. Friday. He then entered the house, shot Kidd in the head with a handgun, and then proceeded to shot himself in the head.

Both Hope and Kidd were pronounced dead at the home.

Police have not yet determined a motive, but Kidd's relationship with Hope was described as "rocky and off-and-on" for the past year.

The two were not living together.

An order of protection for Kidd against Hope was issued on Oct. 10. Kidd filed a written request for the order to be dismissed nine days later.

Additionally Hope had a lengthy criminal history. In 2007, he was charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Over the next ten years, he faced numerous felony charges including theft, forgery and burglary, attempting recovery in substance abuse programs and violating probation, according to public records.

In 2002, Hope tried to beat a drug test by substituting a substance for his urine. He was later sentenced to 36 months behind bars.

In 2004, Hope was convicted of forgery and theft while on probation and was sentenced to six years in prison.

In January, Hope was released and placed on probation.