Criminology Experts Discuss Fatal Domestic Violence Incident

Case Overview

This case involves a man who is accused of intentionally shooting his wife, although he alleges that it was an accident. The defendant was married to his wife for many years and was a parent to five children, all of whom were in the house on the day of the shooting. The defendant was handling a firearm that he used occasionally for hunting, during which time it discharged, killing his wife. The defendant claimed that he was attempting to clean the gun when it accidentally fired, striking his wife in the head and killing her almost instantly. None of the Defendant’s children witnessed the shooting happen, though all claimed to have heard the shot go off at the same time.

Questions to the Law Enforcement expert and their responses

Do you have experience investigating accidental murders / domestic violence?

I have previous experience investigating incidences of domestic violence, having served as a first responder and LEO to more than a thousand incidents that involved domestic violence. I have participated in investigations related to accidental shootings, where there was grievous bodily harm, but not death.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over 35 years of experience in law enforcement. He received a B.S. in Criminology from California State University at Long Beach and a M.A. in Social Psychology from Pepperdine University. He has his State of California POST Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Law Enforcement certifications and graduated from the FBI National Academy. In addition to teaching classes on police procedure and criminology, he previously served as Chief of Police for the El Cajon Police Department and the Assistant Sheriff of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. He currently owns and operates a company that provides consulting and investigative services.