In a tragic incident in Iowa, 66-year-old Kimberly Ann Charlton is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting her 72-year-old husband, David Alan Charlton, in the back. The shooting took place inside their home, reportedly triggered by a dispute involving their dog and her husband’s threats to harm the animal.
The Incident and Arrest
On Wednesday evening, authorities responded to a call about a domestic dispute in the 4300 block of Newland Drive, Cedar Falls. When police arrived at the scene, they found David Charlton with a fatal gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Kimberly Charlton was found at the home and arrested shortly after.
What Led to the Shooting?
According to the criminal complaint, Kimberly Charlton told detectives that the events leading up to the shooting began earlier that evening when her husband allegedly tried to assault her in their bedroom. The incident was reportedly interrupted when their dog intervened.
David Charlton then left the bedroom and returned with a walking cane, threatening to hit the dog. He chased the animal down the hallway while still holding the cane. Kimberly Charlton, feeling threatened, said she grabbed a gun from a dresser and confronted her husband in the hallway. She reportedly warned him, “I’m going to shoot you if you don’t stop.” When he continued toward the dog, she fired a single shot, hitting him in the back.
Legal Consequences and Current Status
Kimberly Charlton has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held in the Black Hawk County Jail on a $1 million bond. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and her case is scheduled for future court hearings.
This heartbreaking case highlights the escalation of domestic disputes and the tragic outcomes that can occur when tensions reach a boiling point. Kimberly Charlton now faces serious legal charges, while her actions will be scrutinized in the coming months. The investigation remains ongoing, and the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of David Charlton.
