The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador has launched an internal investigation into how a man who was prohibited from owning a gun was able to get one back from the police and use it in a murder-suicide.

Shawn Skinner, 38, shot and killed his wife Goldie Loveless, 34, in August before shooting himself to death in the south coast community of Hermitage.

Skinner had been violent with his wife in the past. Three years ago, Skinner was put on probation for assaulting Loveless. A judge also fined him for unlawfully storing a 12-gauge shotgun.

Skinner was also prohibited from having a gun for the next two years.

However, the Crown did not ask to have his weapon forfeited, and the RCMP gave the gun back to Skinner, confirmed Cpl. Phil Matthews, who investigated the shootings.

Loveless's family says the gun was returned shortly after the conviction while Skinner was still under a court order not to own one.

Skinner didn't keep the gun, though, and gave it to a relative. He retrieved it shortly before the murder-suicide.

The RCMP, which confirms Skinner killed himself with that shotgun, is now investigating why one of its own officers returned the weapon.

The force is also investigating how Skinner obtained the .22-calibre rifle he used to kill Loveless.

Skinner didn't have a licence to own a gun. Police say he got the rifle from a friend.

Loveless's family is now raising the couple's three children.