Helen Kay Witter, an 80-year-old woman from Lombard, Illinois, died on January 17, 2025, after being shot in the head at her home on North Clarendon Avenue. Her husband, 81-year-old Charles Witter, called 911 shortly after 12:30 a.m. to report that he had shot his wife. Officers found Helen unconscious in bed; she was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead at 1:17 a.m.

Court documents say Charles Witter told police the couple had been arguing in bed when he took a handgun from his nightstand and shot her once. He reportedly said Helen had suffered from dementia for about 15 years and that he was in severe pain from a shingles infection. He was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder; a judge denied pretrial release, citing concerns about his judgment and danger to the community. His next court appearance was scheduled for February 10, 2025.

Helen Kay Witter was born November 9, 1944, in Big Mound Township, Wayne County, Illinois, graduated as salutatorian from Wayne City High School in 1962, and married Charles Witter in February 1963. She is survived by her husband, four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Does anyone have information about the events that led up to that night or knew the Witters and can help clarify what happened?