A man in Florida told police he killed his wife because she was in poor health and they could no longer afford the medications necessary for her care, according to an arrest affidavit from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said William J. Hager, 86, told them on Monday that in the past his ill wife had told him she wanted to die, but she didn’t specifically ask him to kill her.
The shooting took place at their home in Port St. Lucie, which is north of West Palm Beach. The husband said he shot 78-year-old Carolyn Hager in the head while she slept, according to the arrest affidavit. Hager then drank coffee and called his children before contacting authorities, officials said.
Officers were dispatched to their home about 1 p.m. Hager led them to a bedroom where his wife’s body was covered in a blanket, the affidavit said.
“I want to apologize I didn’t call earlier. I wanted to tell my kids what happened first,” a deputy quoted Hager as saying.
Hager said he had contemplated killing his wife for several days because she had been in pain, the affidavit stated.
“Hager stated Carolyn had a lot of illnesses and other ailments which required numerous medications. Hager stated he could no longer afford the medications needed for Carolyn’s care, thus decided to shoot her this morning.”
Hager faces a charge of first-degree premeditated murder.
CNN left messages Tuesday with the public defender’s office to determine whether it represents Hager.