83-year-old man charged with murder for killing wife who ‘verbally abused’ him for years

An 83-year-old man is charged with murder for shooting dead his wife who had been “verbally abusive” to him for years, according to reports.

Leslie David Brewer Sr., 83, was arrested by police in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on a first-degree murder warrant.

Officers went to a home in the 600 block of Pleasant Loop around 10 a.m. Thursday for a report of a shooting, police said. When officers arrived, they found Betsy Craven Brewer, 83, dead from a gunshot wound.

Investigators said the Brewers argued at the home, according to ABC 11.

The two men had fought for years, and Leslie Brewer had accused his wife of verbally abusing him and said she had been planning to kill him for months, the report said.

After the argument, Leslie Brewer left the house, but later returned and called the police.

Brewer appeared lucid during his court appearance Friday. However, a prosecutor said that while he had been cooperative with law enforcement, there were concerns about his mental state.

He is currently being held in jail on $500,000 bail.

Neighbors near the scene of the shooting told ABC 11 they were shocked to learn of the incident.

“I was confused and surprised because I never thought something like this could happen in our neighborhood. It’s always been quiet. Nobody really makes noise, everybody is nice to each other. It was the last thing I expected, honestly,” said Edwin Cruz. “They just kept to themselves and didn’t talk to anyone.”