It’s believed 83-year-old Marvin Stephens of Prairieville who confessed to shooting and killing his 75-year-old wife Wednesday may have dementia. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson said the case is under investigation and medical experts will be consulted.
“We’re not 100% sure or can confirm any of his medical history, but we did hear from the family that he had been suffering from dementia, this last year had been kind of rough for him,” said Jackson.
Jackson said that when authorities arrived on the scene Patricia Stephens was suffering from a gunshot wound and was taken by helicopter to a local hospital where she later died. Donovan said Marvin Stephens, who faces second-degree murder charges, told officers he fired the gun.
“He fired that fatal shot, and he did admit to firing that fatal shot, so he was arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail,” said Jackson.
The shooting reportedly happened Wednesday afternoon, shortly after their part-time sitter left their residence.
Jackson said they are not sure what motivated the shooting and it’s a tragic situation for everyone involved.
“And that family out there, that not only lost their mother, but they lost their father in this situation as well. Just a heartbreaking thing and our prayers go out to that family and hopefully, we can help find some resolve for them,” said Jackson.
Stephens has been released from the Ascension Parish Jail on an $85,000 bond.
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