A Missouri man allegedly admitted to shooting his ailing wife to death after becoming “exhausted” of caring for her, authorities said.
Kenneth Pautler, 73, allegedly said he decided on Friday to end the suffering of 75-year-old Karen Pautler and spare her a death at a nursing home.
The man led police to his wife’s body in a bedroom and gave them the gun used in the crime.
He said Karen Pautler suffered from mental health issues, and he had become tired of caring for her.
“Kenneth advised he wanted the victim’s death to be humane, so he chose a specific cartridge for the firearm,” police said.
“Kenneth also stated he chose his shot placement to kill the victim as quickly as possible.”
The husband reportedly added that he “no longer wanted to live, and he wants to end his life so he can be with the victim.”
He is being held at the Jefferson County Jail, facing first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges.
