Venice, Florida — An 83-year-old man is accused of fatally shooting his wife inside their home after investigators say she had been suffering from chronic health problems and had begged for her pain to stop.
Walter Edgerton III is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Sandra Edgerton, in Venice.
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Edgerton called 911 at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and reported that his wife had died. He also asked police to respond to the home, telling the dispatcher, “believe me she’s dead, no CPR is going to help her.”
Police Find Woman With Gunshot Wound
When paramedics arrived at the residence, they found Sandra Edgerton in a reclining chair with a blanket covering her head and upper body.
After removing the blanket, emergency responders discovered that she had suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of her head.
Sandra was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators then began questioning her husband about what had happened inside the home.
Edgerton initially declined to speak with detectives without having an attorney present. He later agreed to speak with investigators at the police station after being advised of his rights.
Police Say Wife Had Been Suffering
During the interview, Edgerton allegedly described what happened before the shooting.
According to the affidavit, “after the victim begged for her pain to stop for 45 minutes, he placed a .22-caliber revolver against the right side of her head and pulled the trigger while rubbing her head with his other hand,” investigators wrote.
Police said Edgerton then wiped blood from his wife’s head and covered her with a blanket before calling 911.
The affidavit states that Edgerton told investigators his wife had been diagnosed with Lyme disease nearly 30 years ago and had experienced “chronic illness” ever since.
Her recent health problems had reportedly become particularly serious.
Wife Had Recently Been Hospitalized
According to investigators, Sandra had recently been hospitalized after her husband found her vomiting blood.
She underwent surgery for a bleeding ulcer and later developed what investigators described as “severe breathing problems and constant suffering.”
The affidavit indicates that her age was redacted from the document.
The circumstances surrounding her medical condition are now part of the investigation as authorities work to establish the events leading up to the shooting.
Police have not indicated that Sandra’s medical history changes the criminal allegation against Edgerton, who is accused of intentionally shooting her.
Edgerton Remains in Jail Without Bond
Following the investigation, authorities arrested Edgerton and transported him to the Sarasota County Jail, where he remains without bond.
He has been appointed a public defender and has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
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A bond hearing was scheduled for Friday, while his arraignment is scheduled for October 16.
The murder charge stems from the circumstances surrounding Sandra’s death and Edgerton’s alleged admission to investigators.
Investigation Continues After Fatal Shooting
The case highlights the difficult circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting involving an elderly couple and a reported history of serious illness.
Authorities will continue to examine the couple’s medical history, the events inside the home and Edgerton’s statements to investigators as the criminal case moves forward.
At this stage, the allegations contained in the arrest affidavit are accusations, and Edgerton remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
The upcoming court proceedings are expected to provide additional information about the case and the evidence prosecutors intend to present.
What do you think about this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay respectful when discussing the circumstances surrounding Sandra Edgerton’s death.