The Lead Off
- Charging documents say an Elkhart County man admitted to shooting his wife while she was asleep, according to investigators.
- Aaron Williams, 41, is facing preliminary murder charges in the death of Patricia Williams and is being held without bond.
- Court records outline 911 calls, deputies’ response, and statements allegedly made by the suspect following the shooting.
ELKHART, IND. (WOWO) Charging documents in an Elkhart County homicide investigation allege that a 41-year-old man admitted to shooting his wife while she was asleep, according to court paperwork filed in the case.
Aaron Williams is facing preliminary murder charges in the death of Patricia Williams and is being held without bond, officials told WSBT.
The case stems from a Sunday morning incident that prompted multiple 911 calls and a law enforcement response to a rural area in Elkhart County.
911 calls prompted early morning response
According to charging documents, deputies responded just before 3 a.m. Sunday to the 30000 block of County Road 18 after Aaron Williams called 911 stating he wanted to kill himself.
Court records say Williams made multiple 911 calls during the incident and at one point indicated that someone was dead.
Authorities have not released additional details about the 911 audio, but the affidavit describes escalating statements made during the calls prior to deputies arriving on scene.
Deputies find suspect outside home
When deputies arrived, investigators said Aaron Williams was located outside the residence and held out his hands, indicating he wanted to be handcuffed.
Inside the home, officers found Patricia Williams unresponsive in bed with a gunshot wound to the head, according to the charging documents.
Emergency personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.
Alleged admission detailed in affidavit
The affidavit states Aaron Williams told investigators he retrieved a handgun from a gun safe, returned, and shot his wife while she was asleep.
Court documents also say Williams told police the couple had not had a good relationship for many years.
Those statements are included in the charging paperwork filed as part of the preliminary murder case. Officials have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Court proceedings scheduled
Aaron Williams is scheduled for an initial court appearance Thursday at 8:30 a.m., according to court records.
Formal charges are expected to be addressed during that hearing as the case moves forward in the Elkhart County court system.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding motive beyond what is included in the affidavit.
The Takeaway
- Charging documents in Elkhart County allege Aaron Williams admitted to shooting his wife while she was asleep following a series of 911 calls early Sunday morning.
- Deputies responding to a residence on County Road 18 found Patricia Williams unresponsive in bed with a fatal gunshot wound, according to investigators.
- Williams remains in custody without bond and is scheduled for an initial court appearance Thursday morning as the case proceeds through the court system.
