CO poisoning suspected in deaths of Columbia woman, son

A portable generator was left on while the pair slept

A 46-year old Columbia woman and her mentally impaired 18-year-old son were found dead of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in their home Friday night, Howard County police said.

Tracey Denise Hawks and her son, Christopher Melton, were found dead about 9 p.m. by family members who visited the home in the 10400 block Fair Oaks in Hickory Ridge, police said.

Both bodies were found in the master bedroom, and police found a portable generator in the dining room with the power switch in the "on" position, but out of gas. Police said Hawks had recently talked about committing suicide, and there were no obvious signs of forced entry or foul play.