DULUTH, Ga. -- Two women died after being shot by a police officer in Duluth.

Gwinnett County police spokeswoman Cpl. Illana Spellman said Penny Schwartz, 51, died overnight from her injuries. Her mother, Barbara Baker, 75, died at the scene.

The officer who shot and killed the women was not aware when she was sent to the scene that the younger woman had said she wanted police to kill her, authorities said Wednesday.

The officer was responding to a 911 call around 9 p.m. Tuesday from Baker who reported that her daughter had threatened suicide, said Spellman.

As Baker was explaining to the responding officers that her daughter wanted police to shoot her, Schwartz came down the stairs pointing a revolver, according to the police report. The 10-year police veteran felt threatened and fired, hitting both women, Spellman said.

Baker died at the scene. Schwartz was taken to the hospital where she later died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Jackie Sherrer had lived next door to Baker for more than two decades.

Sherrer told CBS Atlanta News that Schwartz had been suffering from Crohn’s disease for years.

Sherrer told CBS Atlanta that she didn’t see any signs of suicide tendencies, but she “knew that they had problems because of her sickness and her medication.”

Randy Werre saw the aftermath from his driveway.

"I didn't see the first squad come in, but immediately after that it was a deluge of police,” said Werre.

He said Baker was a great neighbor.

"Look at the lawn. She takes care of it. That was a grandmother,” said Werre. "I feel bad for that cop, too, because it's a tragedy for her."

Baker worked at Home Depot in Duluth. Grief counselors are on hand to help employees deal with the tragedy.

"The Home Depot is deeply saddened by the tragic events that resulted in the death of associate Barbara Baker. Barbara was a valued member of The Home Depot team. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The company is working to comfort and support the associates who worked with Barbara in their time of sadness and grief," said the Home Depot in a statement.

Investigators are trying to determine if Baker died trying to shield Schwartz from the officer or whether she was trying to shield the officer from Schwartz.

Gwinnett police are investigating. Spellman said the officer would be placed on routine leave during the investigation.