Man Kills Ailing Wife and Wounds Self, Deputies Say

An elderly Quartz Hill man killed his wife Sunday morning and then shot and wounded himself in an apparent attempt to end the couple’s struggle with failing health, authorities said.

Herbert Tucker, 89, who officials said was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, was in very critical condition at Antelope Valley Hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Irving.

Tucker’s wife, Frances, 86, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, was pronounced dead at the couple’s home, Irving said. Deputy Bob Killeen said no charges were filed against Herbert Tucker on Sunday because of the seriousness of his condition. If Tucker’s condition improves, he would probably face murder charges, Killeen said.

The slaying and apparent suicide attempt occurred shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday, Irving said.

The couple’s daughter, who was visiting at the time, told deputies she was asleep when she heard a gunshot coming from her parents’ bedroom, Irving said.

The daughter went to the bedroom and found her father holding a gun in his hand and her mother with a gunshot wound to her upper body, Irving said. The daughter said she then saw her father shoot himself.