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Police: Bloomfield death not ‘mercy killing' but murder

PITTSBURGH — A tragic scene unfolded Thursday night as police responded to a murder/attempted suicide.

Investigators said the shooting happened inside of a home on Rosina Way around 8:30 p.m.

According to officers, an elderly woman was shot and killed by her husband. Police said the man then tried to kill himself, but when he turned the gun on himself it jammed.

“We believe her husband shot her in the head and attempted to commit suicide but wasn't successful," said Allegheny County police Lt. Kevin Kraus.
According to the criminal complaint, the man was recently diagnosed with cancer and had been in bed for two days.

One family member who also live inside the home, told police that he got into an argument with his wife and she overheard the victim say, “Don’t do that. Why are you doing this?”

The criminal complaint stated the man could then be heard saying, “I’m in so much pain. I don’t want to live anymore.”

Police said when the victim walked out the door he shot her in the head.

"I feel so bad.  I'm a nervous wreck.  I just heard about it," said neighbor Pat Kuhn. 

The medical examiner identified the woman as 79-year-old Catherine Willet.  Willet's husband was taken into custody and has been charged with criminal homicide.

Two other family members who were inside the home at the time of the shooting were not hurt.

WPXI

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