In a shocking turn of events, a Missouri man named Ronnie Wiggs is facing a second-degree murder charge for allegedly strangling his hospitalized wife to death.
The Tragedy in the Hospital
On Friday, May 3, around 11:30 p.m., a chilling incident unfolded at a hospital in Independence, Missouri. Wiggs’ wife, who was hospitalized for dialysis, was found unresponsive in the ICU unit.
A Desperate Code Blue
Medical staff rushed to the scene, but it was too late. The victim was unresponsive, prompting the hospital to issue a “Code Blue,” typically indicating a critical medical emergency, such as cardiac or respiratory arrest.
The Husband’s Confession
Admissions of Guilt
In a chilling twist, Wiggs reportedly made several startling admissions to medical staff and police. According to court records, he confessed to killing his wife, admitting that he “choked her, covered her nose and mouth to keep her from screaming.”
A Veil of Misery
Wiggs allegedly explained his motive as a combination of depression and the overwhelming burden of caring for his wife, exacerbated by the crushing medical expenses.
Previous Attempts
But even more alarming, Wiggs revealed that he had attempted to kill his wife on two prior occasions while she was hospitalized. The first attempt was thwarted when the victim regained consciousness and begged him to stop.
A Lurid Plan Thwarted
After the first attempt, Wiggs planned to kill his wife again, but failed due to the constant medical monitoring at the hospital.
Legal Consequences
Ronnie Wiggs appeared in court on Monday for his arraignment on a second-degree murder charge. He was referred to the public defender’s office, and a bond hearing was scheduled for Thursday to determine whether he would be released on bail.
The heinous nature of this crime has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the state of mental health care and the societal pressures that can lead to such desperate acts.
