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Woman Kills Husband: Was Trying to Shoot Puppy

By Stephanie Rabiner, Esq. on July 19, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

While visiting their son and grandchildren in Jackson, Mississippi this past week, Robert Walker Sr. and his wife Betty Walker became concerned that the barking dog behind the backyard fence would make his way over one day, placing their family in danger.

So, on Friday, when the 8-month-old pit bull got through the fence, Betty reacted, herding the grandchildren inside and grabbing a gun.

Unfortunately, the only one who ended up dead was Robert Sr.

Truly a freak accident, the Clarion Ledger reports that, when Betty Walker returned to the backyard with a gun, she found her husband carrying the pit bull in his arms.

Not thinking, the Houston woman shot twice--hitting Robert Sr. in the chest, and the dog in the leg.

Her husband died two hours later.

As of now, the incident is still under investigation, but the paper reports that a grand jury will have to decide whether or not to bring criminal charges against Betty Walker.

Like in most jurisdictions, Mississippi requires that persons accused of felonies first be indicted by a grand jury.

During grand jury proceedings, the prosecutor will present evidence to a group of citizens who will then determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to try someone for a crime.

Even though it makes little sense to shoot a person carrying a dog, it's doubtful that the grand jury will decide to indict.

Betty Walker acted as a result of extenuating circumstances, panic, and fear, and whatever criminal recklessness she may have exhibited has already been punished by her husband's death.

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