2 dead after shooting at home law office (UPDATE)

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A Madison man shot and killed his girlfriend before taking his own life at a home law office Thursday afternoon, Dane County Sheriff’s deputies said.

The shooting, at Briggs Law Office in the town of Oregon, occurred after the 68-year-old man and 64-year-old woman got into an argument, authorities said in a news release. The man shot his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself, according to the release.

The owners of the home and office, attorneys Michael and Norma Briggs, were not injured. A call to the Briggs Law Office was not immediately returned.

The identities of the couple have not yet been released, and an autopsy was being performed Friday morning.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Elise Schaffer said the law firm had represented the 68-year-old man in a divorce about three years ago, and his relationship with Michael and Norma Briggs had developed into a friendship. She said the couple’s trip to the firm Thursday most likely was a combination of legal and personal matters.

Michael and Norma Briggs no longer practice law, Schaffer said.

Court and State Bar records show that Michael and Norma Briggs are suspended from practicing law. Michael Briggs is suspended for disciplinary reasons, while Norma Briggs is behind on paying her dues.

The law office’s website – which states that the firm is not accepting new clients – says the firm specialized in family law, will and estate planning, and residential real estate. It also states that Michael Briggs is a former administrative law judge and served as an alderman in Madison, while Norma Briggs worked as a clerk for the state Court of Appeals.

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