by Galveston, Texas – An 88-year-old man is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting his 89-year-old terminally ill wife while she lay in bed, according to Galveston Police Department officials. Authorities responded to the couple’s home on the 3200 block of Dominique Drive around 4:45 a.m. Monday after a medical device triggered a potential emergency alert.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Anita Leal dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Ernest Leal, her husband, reportedly admitted to first responders that he shot his wife. He was subsequently taken into custody, police said.
Circumstances and Investigation
Ernest Leal reportedly told detectives that he acted because Anita Leal was suffering from a terminal illness, as reported by Houston NBC affiliate KPRC. Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and further details have not yet been released.
During a bond hearing on Monday, Leal appeared in a wheelchair. The judge reduced his bond from $250,000 to $80,000, according to jail records. As of Tuesday afternoon, he remained in Galveston County Jail.
Community Reacts
Friends and neighbors expressed sorrow over Anita Leal’s death on social media. The owner of Flippers Coastal Seafood recalled the couple’s last visit to the restaurant:
“On their last visit, they usually shared meals, but that day they ordered individually. My server noticed Mrs. Anita’s frustration as she struggled to remember her order. Mr. Ernest comfortingly rubbed her back, telling her to let it go,” the owner wrote.
The post suggested that Anita Leal may have been suffering from dementia, and praised the couple’s bond. The owner added:
“This couple held a special place in my heart, and it is disheartening to witness the cruel comments surrounding this tragedy. Life is precious, and it is essential that we acknowledge this reality.”
Legal Proceedings
Ernest Leal has been charged with murder, and authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Galveston Police Department has not released additional details, and it remains unclear whether more charges could be filed.
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