Man faces arraignment in shooting death of elderly wife
11:43 AM MDT on Friday, July 1, 2005
Associated Press


LEWISTON -- A 70-year-old man from Spalding is scheduled to be arraigned next month in the fatal shooting of his wife.

Joe Gilroy Eagan waived his preliminary hearing earlier this week. He's charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 74-year-old wife, Louella Eagan.

Nez Perce County sheriff's reports say Joe Eagan was arrested in February after calling his son-in-law to say he had shot his wife at their home.

Deputies found the woman dead from a gunshot wound. According to deputies' reports, Eagan said he believed his wife was taking money from their checking account without telling him,

Eagan reportedly has advanced Huntington's Disease, a central nervous system disorder marked by involuntary movements and progressive dementia.

The arraignment has been set for July 14th.

I dont normally post stories like this, but this is sad. I cant help but think if he was ill then he clearly wasnt in his right mind. I dont know anything about Huntington's Disease or progressive dementia, but I would think they would effect how and what he thought. Including the thoughts he has of his wife taking money from their checking account.

I cant even imagine a man just going into prison at the age of 70. I know there are elderly people in prison all over, but because they grew old in prison they are used to it, but if someone is sent to prison at this age then I just dont see how they can survive it for long.

I hope this man is sent to a hospital rather then a prison

Very sad in every aspect.