From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville Police Department (TPD) is investigating an apparent “domestic homicide” that left one woman dead and a man injured on Wednesday, June 1, at approximately 1:30 a.m.
According to the TPD, 80-year-old John B. Harris is charged with the murder of his wife, Jo Ann Henry Harris, 82. John Harris’ bond will be set at $250,000 once he is released from UAB Hospital where he is being treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officers responded to a call in Echo Hills on Brookstone Drive when a family member notified them of a possible domestic incident.
“Officers were able to contact the husband by telephone,” Lieutenant Clint Riner said. “After a period of time, he came out of the house where he was taken into custody.”
Trussville police chief Eric Rush said officers were notified of the incident by the victim and suspect’s son after the suspect called him.
“The son was on the scene and we hoped he could talk his father out of the house, but that didn’t go anywhere,” Rush said. “Our officers did a great job and communicated with the suspect throughout the night until he just stopped communicating.”
During the communications, officers breached two windows in the home. They could see the suspect, walking around and called out to him, Rush said.
“That’s when he came outside and surrendered to our officers,” Rush said. “He was transported to the hospital with a self-inflicted wound to his face. If he survives, he’ll be charged with murder.”
Officers on the scene cleared the residence and discovered his wife unresponsive in the house. Rush said officers on the scene did not see a gunshot wound on the victim who appeared to have been beaten.
“The coroner will determine the exact cause of death,” Rush said.
The female victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the man was transported to UAB Hospital with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Rush said John B. Harris and Jo Ann Henry Harris are believed to have had dementia
The story will be updated when more information is available.
