NEWPORT — A “suspicious death” under investigation in Newport has been deemed a homicide.

New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Margaret “Peggy” Clarke, 75, died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Her death is now considered a homicide, MacDonald said in a news release on Wednesday.

Police were alerted to the situation around midday on Tuesday when a 911 caller reported that a female had been shot at 553 Maple St., according to the release.

Police responded and searched the Clarke home at the corner of Maple Street and Paradise Road, and found Peggy Clarke’s body inside the residence, the release said.

Authorities have not announced any charges in the case, but the news release said, “police believe they have identified all the parties involved in the incident, and there is no evidence to suggest that there is a threat to the general public.”

Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati, who is handling the matter, said he could not provide any additional information on Wednesday.

“We are not disclosing who called 911 at this time, and the investigation is continuing,” he said via email.

Neighbors said Peggy Clarke and her husband, who is listed in property records as George but whom they said went by Graham, have lived in the home for decades.

“I was shocked,” neighbor George Mooshian said of when he heard about the situation. “They have always been great neighbors.”

Neighbor Steven Benson, whose driveway runs along the edge of the Clarkes’ yard, said the day on Tuesday started out like any other. He said he saw both of them in the yard at different times. He didn’t recall hearing a gunshot.

“They pretty much kept to themselves,” said neighbor Jim Richardson, who grew up across the street from the Clarke home.

On Tuesday, Beulah Benson, who lives nearby, said she used to bowl with Peggy Clarke, whom she called a “very intelligent” woman.

The neighbors said George Clarke had been in failing health. He used to work for Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Assessing records indicate the Clarkes transferred ownership of the home to two daughters, Kaara Gonyo and Darlene Reid, in 2016 as part of their estate planning. A message left for one of the daughters on Wednesday wasn’t returned.

No one answered the door at the Clarke home on Wednesday.

Jordan Cuddemi can be reached at jcuddemi@vnews.com or 603-727-3248.