Christopher Hoopes (36) claims he shot his wife, Colleen (25), because he was startled by her in the middle of the night

[raisedbywolves]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime...out&li=BBnbfcL

Professional Ballerina Gunned Down by Husband Who Claims He Was 'Startled': Police

A Tempe, Arizona, man who allegedly shot his professional ballerina wife because he was "startled" is now charged with murder.

The Tempe Police Department along with the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue were alerted of shots fired and arrived at Colleen and Christopher Hoopes' home around 3:45 a.m. local time on May 20, per a release from the police.

Christopher, 36, called police moments before, telling a dispatcher that "he was startled by his wife in the middle of the night and subsequently shot her," the release alleges.

Police found Colleen, 25, who had suffered a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Christopher has since been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a weapon, the release adds, noting that the investigation is ongoing.

Court documents allege Christopher told police he did not realize it was his wife until he fired two to three shots, NBC 15 reports. Investigators found that he shot from the foot of the bed to the other side, according to the documents.

He stayed at the scene and continued requesting to speak with an attorney, the outlet reports.

A neighbor's home captured audio through surveillance footage, where the first gunshot is heard. More than two seconds passed before more shots were fired. The Ballet Arizona dancer was hit twice in the chest, the outlet adds.

"It's key that neighbors were able to help us and provide some of that feedback through surveillance and through recordings," Detective Natalie Barela told the publication. "That helps us to develop different probable cause than statements that were made and said."

The couple was married for less than two years at the time her death.

[curiouscat]

It didn't work for Oscar Pistorius, it's not going to work for you.

[Boston Babe 73]

A neighbor's home captured audio through surveillance footage, where the first gunshot is heard. More than two seconds passed before more shots were fired. The Ballet Arizona dancer was hit twice in the chest, the outlet adds.

Two seconds might not seem that long of a pause, but it's long enough to realize who you shot. Since she had two gun shot wounds to the chest, that second shot was aimed and deliberate.