Galveston police arrested 88-year-old Ernest Leal after he allegedly admitted to shooting his 89-year-old wife, Anita Leal, at their home early Monday. A judge later lowered his bond from $250,000 to $80,000.
Early on Monday, Galveston police arrested 88-year-old Ernest Leal after he allegedly told paramedics that he shot his wife, 89-year-old Anita Leal, who was found dead from a gunshot wound in their home.
Authorities stated that at approximately 4:45 a.m., emergency services were sent to the home in the 3200 block of Dominique Drive after a medical-alert device activated. First responders came expecting a medical emergency, but they discovered Anita Leal dead in bed with what looked like a gunshot wound.
Click2Houston and the police both say that Ernest Leal told paramedics that he had shot his wife before they called the police. Police arrested him and escorted him to the Galveston Police Department for questioning. Later, he was arrested and taken to the county jail on a murder accusation.
At first, a court put Leal's bond at $250,000. Court records indicate that the bond was later lowered to $80,000. Police have not said if the couple had any previous medical or domestic issues, but family members informed detectives that Anita Leal was dying.
The case will be forwarded to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office for evaluation while detectives continue to collect evidence.
Investigators have not said anything else about what happened before the shooting. Authorities stated that the inquiry is still ongoing.
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