Independence, Missouri – A man was arrested by police in Independence after confessing to the strangulation of his ailing wife in a hospital bed. The motive behind the tragic incident was reportedly linked to the man’s inability to cover the costs of his wife’s ongoing medical care.
Ronnie Wiggs, aged 76, faces charges of second-degree murder in connection to the death of his wife, who passed away at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence. Prosecutors revealed these details in a recent announcement. The victim’s name has not been disclosed by the authorities.
During a recent incident at the medical facility, hospital staff found Wiggs’ wife unresponsive with no pulse. Fortunately, they were able to revive her and transfer her to the Intensive Care Unit. However, despite their efforts, she tragically passed away the following day.
Throughout the investigation, Wiggs admitted to the police his involvement in the incident, stating, “I did it. I killed her. I choked her.” Following this admission, Wiggs reportedly left the hospital, leaving law enforcement to handle the situation.
In a disturbing revelation, Wiggs confessed during an interview with detectives that he covered his wife’s nose and mouth during the incident to prevent her from screaming. He cited financial struggles as the reason behind his actions, explaining that he could not afford his wife’s medical bills any longer. Wiggs also disclosed feelings of depression to the authorities.
Furthermore, court documents revealed that this was not the first instance of Wiggs attempting to harm his wife. He admitted to a previous incident where he tried to strangle her while she was receiving treatment at a rehabilitation facility. Wiggs stated that he was unable to follow through with the act at that time.
As the investigation unfolds, Wiggs remains in custody on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled for a court hearing. It is unclear at this time whether he has obtained legal representation. The case continues to be a tragic and disturbing example of the complexities surrounding issues of healthcare and mental health in society.
These events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with the overwhelming burden of medical expenses and the strain it can put on mental well-being. The authorities continue to investigate the case as they seek to understand the full extent of the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking tragedy.