A 66-year-old woman from Cedar Falls, Iowa, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting her husband during a domestic dispute on June 4. Kimberly Charlton is accused of killing her 72-year-old husband, David Charlton, after a confrontation at their home, which was interrupted by their dog.
The Fatal Incident
Cedar Falls Police responded to a report of a domestic dispute and possible shooting at a residence on Newland Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered David Charlton deceased from a gunshot wound.
Kimberly Charlton told authorities that the situation escalated when her husband attempted to physically assault her.
According to her account, their dog intervened to stop the assault, which led to David Charlton threatening to beat the dog with a cane. In response, Kimberly retrieved a firearm and reportedly warned her husband, saying, “I’m going to shoot you if you don’t stop.”
Kimberly Charlton admitted to investigators that she shot her husband in the middle of his back, causing his death. She stated that the shooting occurred after her husband refused to stop his threatening behavior.
Arrest and Charges
Kimberly Charlton was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to her husband’s death. She is currently being held at the Black Hawk County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The case is still under investigation, and Kimberly Charlton’s legal team has yet to make any public statements. First-degree murder charges carry serious penalties, and Charlton is expected to face a court hearing in the coming weeks.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the role of the dog in preventing further violence, will likely be key points in the defense and prosecution’s arguments.