49-year-old man died after his estranged 61-year-old wife grabbed a gun during an argument as she was tired of his insults and shot him to death; woman charged
Wisconsin – In a tragic and emotionally charged case in Wisconsin, a 61-year-old woman, identified as Doris W., is facing a serious criminal charge after admitting to fatally shooting her estranged 49-year-old husband, identified as Aerion W., during a late-night argument. Doris now stands charged with one count of first-degree reckless homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon following the fatal shooting of Aerion on May 31.
Police were dispatched shortly after 10 p.m. to an apartment complex following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers were directed by witnesses to a woman walking away from the scene, later identified as Doris. As officers approached, she reportedly dropped her firearm without resistance. Inside the residence, officers found Aerion suffering from gunshot wounds to both his back and chest. Despite lifesaving efforts from emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses at the complex indicated that the shooting followed a heated confrontation between the couple. According to court documents, Aerion had been living elsewhere amid ongoing marital problems and had returned to the home that night to collect personal belongings.
The criminal complaint reveals that a third party who was present during the incident attempted to intervene as the argument escalated. This witness told police that despite standing between the couple in an attempt to calm things down, Doris retrieved a loaded handgun from the living room. “She said the gun was loaded,” the witness recalled, stating that moments later Doris pointed the weapon and fired into her husband’s back. As Aerion collapsed, Doris allegedly told the witness, “Get him out of here before I shoot him again.” The situation only grew more disturbing when Doris made unsolicited, incriminating remarks while sitting in a police patrol vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, she stated: “He called me a b…h for the last time and I just shot him. I just shot him… so I just grabbed my gun and shot him because I’m just tired. I know I shouldn’t have shot him, but I’m just tired.”
Law enforcement officials later confirmed that the couple had been separated and experiencing escalating tension. According to the witness, there had been multiple arguments between the two, with the most recent exchange marked by what Doris claimed were repeated verbal insults from her husband. The couple’s relationship had reportedly deteriorated to the point where Aerion was no longer living in the home. After being taken to the station, Doris waived her right to remain silent and admitted to fatally shooting her husband. Authorities said she showed a clear understanding of her actions and expressed regret, though emphasized she was overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Doris has been formally charged with first-degree reckless homicide, use of a dangerous weapon. If convicted, she faces several decades in prison. She is currently being held in the county jail, and her bond hearing is scheduled for later this week.
The court has not yet addressed whether Doris will undergo any psychological evaluation, but the case raises questions about the impact of prolonged emotional abuse and the pressures that build in toxic relationships. No prior protective orders or documented reports of domestic violence between the couple have been made public at this time. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the full picture of what led Doris to take such a fatal and irreversible action.
