FENTON, Mo. (WKRC) – An elderly man allegedly shot and killed his mentally ill wife because he was “exhausted” of taking care of her and didn’t want her to die in a nursing home.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local outlet KMOV, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence at around 2:15 p.m. on Friday and were immediately let inside by 73-year-old Kenneth Paulter.
Deputies found Kenneth’s wife, Karen Paulter, deceased from a gunshot wound in a bedroom, per the affidavit. Kenneth reportedly told the deputies that he shot his wife, even handing over the gun he used to do it. He said that he had become “exhausted” with caring for her over the prior days due to her mental issues but did not want her to die in a nursing home, per the affidavit.
“Kenneth advised he wanted the victim’s death to be humane, so he chose a specific cartridge for the firearm,” the affidavit reportedly said. “Kenneth also stated he chose his shot placement to kill the victim as quick as possible.”
He also reportedly told authorities that he “no longer wants to live, and he wants to end his life so he can be with the victim.”
Kenneth was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
