An 81-year-old man from Lombard, Illinois, is facing first-degree murder charges after a tragic incident at his home early Friday morning. Charles Witter is accused of shooting and killing his 80-year-old wife, Helen Witter, in what he described as a moment of losing control.
During a court hearing on Saturday, a 911 call was played where Witter admitted he “went nuts” after his wife wouldn’t stop yelling and screaming at him. He told police that despite asking her to stop, she continued, and it led to the fatal shooting.
Charles Witter’s lawyer, William Wolf, painted a different picture of the events. He explained that Helen suffered from advanced dementia, which made her angry and difficult to manage at times. Wolf argued that her constant yelling caused Witter significant physical and emotional distress, but he insisted that Charles deeply loved his wife. “He loved and still loves her,” Wolf said.
The heartbreaking incident happened at their home on Clarendon Avenue in Lombard, a quiet neighborhood now shaken by the news. Prosecutors are asking for Witter to remain in custody as he awaits trial.
In court, police body-camera footage was shown, capturing Witter’s explanation to officers. He reportedly said that he couldn’t handle Helen’s screaming anymore and acted out of frustration and desperation.
The case highlights the emotional struggles families can face when dealing with severe illnesses like dementia. For now, Witter remains in custody as the legal process continues, leaving a community trying to make sense of this tragic situation.
