Elderly Shooter Survives Botched Suicide Bid

"AKRON, OH — An Akron man is accused of shooting and killing his 78-year-old wife before turning the gun on himself in a failed suicide attempt.

"Betty Harrison-Paxton was found dead early Tuesday inside the couple’s 1504 Peckham Street home. She suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was found on the floor inside her bedroom, authorities said.

"Her husband, John Paxton, 87, suffered what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin and lower jaw. He was being treated at Akron General Medical Center. His condition was not known, but he was expected to survive.

"Police say Mr. Paxton called 911 to report the shooting just before 9 a.m. He told police he shot his wife and himself and that he hopes he dies, police said.

"Akron paramedics had to force their way inside the home. Mrs. Paxton was found on a bedroom floor still dressed in night clothes. Mr. Paxton was found across the hall inside another bedroom, police said.

"A motive behind the alleged murder/suicide is not yet clear, police Detective Lt. David Whiddon said.

"Mrs. Paxton was in good physical health and the home she and her husband shared for nearly 20 years was well maintained,
police said. Mr. Paxton did become more reclusive in recent weeks, family members told police, and he may have been suffering the early onset of a mental illness.

"A year ago this month, police records show that officers were contacted by Summit County Veterans Services personnel after Mr. Paxton became upset about flooding inside his home and was threatening suicide.

"The couple was married July 23, 1994, according to court records.

"There have been no reports of domestic violence involving the couple, police said."

From ohio.com...