A 32-year-old Missouri man is accused of shooting his wife in the back of the head before calling 911 and claiming she had simply "fallen" while exiting their bedroom, authorities said.
Background
Cody A. Chilcutt was taken into custody following the incident at the couple's home in Jefferson County, Missouri. According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office responded to the residence at approximately 7 a.m. on Aug. 14 regarding a reported shooting.
Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. Doctors confirmed that she suffered "injuries consistent with being shot in the back of the head/neck," the affidavit states.
The victim survived her injuries and told deputies that she and Chilcutt, her husband, were walking out of their bedroom when she suddenly felt "an intense pain in the back of her head, followed by her collapsing to the floor."
The Investigation
In his initial statement to investigators, Chilcutt denied knowing what happened to his wife. "Chilcutt initially stated he was walking behind the victim when he heard a loud noise, followed by him witnessing the victim fall to the ground and hitting her head," the affidavit says.
However, investigators found evidence inside the home suggesting the shooting had occurred from within the residence, making Chilcutt the primary suspect in the case.
In a post-Miranda interview, Chilcutt allegedly "admitted to shooting his wife while standing behind her," according to investigators.
Prosecutors filed a motion seeking to have Chilcutt held without bond, asserting that evidence indicated his actions were premeditated. The request stated that Chilcutt "planned the attack" and "planned for the victim to die from her injuries."
The court filing also alleged that after shooting his wife in the back of the head, Chilcutt called 911 and reported that she had fallen.
The Charges
Chilcutt has been charged with one count of first-degree domestic assault and one count of armed criminal action, court records show. He is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail pending further proceedings.
Prosecutors argued that Chilcutt presented both a flight risk and a danger to his wife and the general community, citing the nature of the alleged attack and his attempt to deceive authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Cody A. Chilcutt, 32, is charged with first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action in Jefferson County, Missouri
- The victim survived a gunshot wound to the back of the head/neck area on Aug. 14
- Investigators say Chilcutt allegedly admitted to shooting his wife while standing behind her
- Prosecutors allege Chilcutt "planned the attack" and attempted to conceal the crime by telling authorities she had fallen
What's Next
Chilcutt is scheduled to appear in court for a bond review hearing on Aug. 25, according to court records. The case remains under investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.