A 32-year-old Missouri man has been charged with allegedly shooting his wife in the back of the head before calling 911 and claiming she had simply fallen, according to court records and a probable cause affidavit.
Cody A. Chilcutt was taken into custody following the incident at the couple's home in Jefferson County on Aug. 14. He faces one count each of first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action.
Background
Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported shooting at approximately 7 a.m. on Aug. 14. Emergency medical personnel transported the victim, Chilcutt's wife, to a local hospital for treatment. Doctors confirmed she suffered injuries consistent with being shot in the back of the head and neck area.
The victim survived her injuries and told deputies that she and Chilcutt were walking out of their bedroom when she suddenly felt intense pain in the back of her head before collapsing to the floor.
The Investigation
In his initial statement to investigators, Chilcutt claimed he was walking behind his wife when he heard a loud noise and saw her fall to the ground, allegedly suggesting she had struck her head. However, evidence recovered from inside the home indicated the shooting originated from within the residence, making Chilcutt the primary suspect.
Following his arrest and a post-Miranda interview, Chilcutt allegedly admitted to investigators that he shot his wife while standing behind her.
In seeking to have Chilcutt held without bond, prosecutors argued that evidence indicated the attack was premeditated. Court filings stated that Chilcutt planned the assault and planned for his wife to die from her injuries. The filing also noted that after shooting her in the back of the head, he called 911 and reported she had fallen.
Key Takeaways
- Cody A. Chilcutt has been charged with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action
- The victim survived being shot in the back of the head and neck area
- Chilcutt allegedly admitted to shooting his wife while standing behind her after initially denying knowledge of what happened
- Prosecutors argue the attack was premeditated and that Chilcutt presented both a flight risk and danger to his wife and the community
What's Next
Chilcutt is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court for a bond review hearing on Aug. 25, where prosecutors are expected to argue he should remain detained pending trial.