Visitation set today for Sarah Blackburn

There will be a visitation today at Grace Memorial Gardens for the victim in Sunday's murder-suicide.

Sarah Blackburn, 40, was killed Sunday morning by her husband, Dr. Robert Blackburn, at their Lake in the Woods home, authorities said.

The visitation will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and then again from 6 to 8 p.m.
Grace Memorial Gardens is located at 17007 U.S. Highway 19 in Hudson.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Theresa Catholic Church at 1107 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Dawn Center.

No funeral arrangements have been announced for Dr. Blackburn, who is believed to have killed his wife and then turned the gun on himself, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
A spokesman for Grace Memorial Gardens said the family wished only to publicize Sarah Blackburn's funeral information. He would not speak about Dr. Blackburn.

No one has contacted the Diocese of St. Petersburg to inquire about what to do with the doctor's funeral services, said spokesman Frank Murphy.
"I don't know what was recommended for the doctor," he said.

In most cases involving suicide, a decision on funeral arrangements is decided among family members and the parish. If there is further debate or if more consultation is needed, such matters can be taken to the Rev. Bob Morris, the vicar general, who is the principal deputy under the bishop, Murphy said.
Morris could then consult with Canon lawyers at the diocese.

Canon law is the body of laws and regulations made by and followed by ecclesiastical authority, according to the Roman Catholic Church.
"This case is very unusual," Murphy said, "but I don't think anyone has contacted us about that."
Rev. James McAteer, the head pastor at St. Theresa, did not return a message Thursday.