80-year-old Nebraska man fatally shoots wife; told police he couldn’t care for her anymore after Alzheimer’s diagnosis
An 80-year-old Nebraska man “exhausted” from taking care of his wife with Alzheimer’s fatally shot her in the head in Lincoln, according to police.
John Kotopka was arrested Sunday for first-degree assault and use of a deadly weapon, but charges will be re-evaluated after his 78-year-old wife, Janet, died at the hospital Wednesday, the Lincoln Police Department said.
Kotopka told police that his wife had been diagnosed two years ago and needed constant attention, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Recently, Janet had reportedly become “combative” with him and other caregivers he had brought in to help.
He also claimed he was worried about being able to afford putting her in a long-term health facility.
A relative found Janet Kotopka around 6:30 a.m. Sunday at their Lincoln home and immediately called police. She was rushed to a local hospital in life-threatening condition and succumbed to her injuries Wednesday.
Kotopka is being held on $500,000 bail.
