In a disturbing turn of events, a Missouri man, Ronnie Wiggs of Independence, has been arrested after confessing to the murder of his ailing wife. The motive behind the crime is both heartbreaking and shocking – Wiggs claimed he was unable to keep up with his wife's medical expenses and was driven to take her life as a result.
The tragic incident unfolded at the Centerpoint Medical Center, where Wiggs' wife was admitted to undergo a procedure to replace a dialysis port. On Friday night, Wiggs reportedly covered his wife's mouth and strangled her to death with his hands around her throat while she lay in her hospital bed.
Hospital staff discovered the wife unresponsive with suspicious markings on her neck. Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported hearing Wiggs confess to the murder upon his return to the hospital after initially fleeing the scene.
According to court documents, Wiggs, who is reported to be either 75 or 76 years old, admitted to the killing, stating, "I did it, I killed her, I choked her." He further elaborated that he had attempted to kill her during two previous hospital stays.
Wiggs attributed his actions to depression and the inability to cope with his wife's mounting medical bills. This tragic case highlights the immense emotional and financial strain that families can face when dealing with serious illness and medical expenses.
Wiggs is currently held on a $250,000 bond, facing charges related to the murder of his wife. This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support and access to resources for individuals and families dealing with challenging circumstances.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
