SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A man from Columbia County is locked up after allegedly killing his wife early Sunday morning.
Police say Paula Deeter, 63, was found shot multiple times at her home in Sugarloaf Township. Investigators believe her husband, John Deeter, 69, pulled the trigger.
According to state police, John Deeter called 911 early Sunday morning and said there were possible intruders at his home. He also told dispatchers his wife was bleeding from her mouth.
When troopers got to the home, they found Paula Deeter, 63, dead in the bedroom. She was shot nearly a dozen times with two different guns.
According to court papers, Deeter told investigators he may have been dreaming that someone broke into his home, and he was aiming at and shooting the intruder. Then he admitted that was a lie and told troopers he said that because he was afraid of getting in trouble.
Deeter said he knew his wife was sleeping and shot her seven to eight times with two different guns.
Newswatch 16 spoke with several family members and neighbors who all say they are surprised because the couple seemed happy. The Deeters were married for more than 20 years. Family members say John suffers from Parkinson's disease, and Paula took care of him.
Police did not say why Deeter allegedly shot his wife.
He was charged with criminal homicide and is behind bars in Columbia County.