YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Neighbors on Youngstown's south side are expressing shock after learning that police are calling the deaths of a woman and her son an apparent murder and suicide.

The bodies of 49-year-old Bianca Arter and her 17-year-old son Javier were found in their home in the 2100 block of Volney Road Saturday afternoon.

Youngstown police say the Mahoning County Coroner is investigating the deaths as an apparent murder and suicide.

One neighbor, Letyak Stonework,  said the two kept to themselves but were friendly. “It is very hard to believe that something like that would happen.”

She saw the teen take out the trash for Thursday pick-up and saw his mother the same day.

“She will leave, wave, an when she comes back she still waves, smiles and goes back into the house,” the neighbor told 21 News.

One neighbor called Bianca Arter a sweet lady and good mom.

Another neighbor who said they studied the bible together, added that Bianca Arter had been depressed over the loss of her father and mother but they never expected anything like this.

Bianca Arter's brother in Nevada posted a message on Facebook asking for prayers for his family.

Her relatives who live here locally are reserving comment until after all relatives have time to travel back to Youngstown.

The Arter's two family dogs that stayed at the home have been taken by the Mahoning County Dog Warden.

Police have not released the causes of death, or who they think committed the murder before committing suicide.