LOMBARD, Ill. (WLS) - Officials say an 81-year-old Illinois man is accused of shooting his wife to death in their bed after an argument.
Charles Witter, 81, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, 80-year-old Helen Witter, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing.
Police responded to the couple’s home in Lombard just before 12:40 a.m. Friday when Charles Witter called 911, saying he had shot his wife. The 81-year-old met officers at the front door and was immediately taken into custody.
Officers searched the home and found Helen Witter unconscious in the couple’s bed. She was lying on her back with her head on a pillow and her mouth open. Blood was coming from her head onto the pillow and bedding.
The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Officials say an investigation revealed the couple were in bed when they began arguing. That’s when Charles Witter allegedly took a gun out of the nightstand and shot his wife once.
“The alleged shooting death of Helen Witter is indeed a tragedy,” Berlin said. “I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Witter family and their friends as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.”
It was announced Saturday that a judge granted a motion to detain Charles Witter ahead of his trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10.
Charles Witter, 81, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, 80-year-old Helen Witter, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing.
Police responded to the couple’s home in Lombard just before 12:40 a.m. Friday when Charles Witter called 911, saying he had shot his wife. The 81-year-old met officers at the front door and was immediately taken into custody.
Officers searched the home and found Helen Witter unconscious in the couple’s bed. She was lying on her back with her head on a pillow and her mouth open. Blood was coming from her head onto the pillow and bedding.
The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Officials say an investigation revealed the couple were in bed when they began arguing. That’s when Charles Witter allegedly took a gun out of the nightstand and shot his wife once.
“The alleged shooting death of Helen Witter is indeed a tragedy,” Berlin said. “I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Witter family and their friends as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.”
It was announced Saturday that a judge granted a motion to detain Charles Witter ahead of his trial. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10.
