A Wisconsin man was arrested last month for the murder of his wife, eight years after he claimed that she shot herself.
James C. Radford, now 39, called 911 on April 11, 2016, and reported that Sabrina Radford had shot herself, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies arrived and found her dead. She was 25.
The initial investigation was unable to say conclusively that she had shot herself, however, and detectives began a long probe of the fatal shooting.
“Numerous interviews were conducted with James Radford and other individuals connected to the case, and previously collected evidence was reexamined,” the sheriff’s office said. “With the aid of advanced investigative tools, evolving forensic technology, and the involvement of expert witnesses, investigators determined that the death of Sabrina Radford was not the result of suicide.”
The sheriff’s office turned their information over to the county district attorney, recommending charges, and James Radford was jailed on a reckless homicide charge.
The sheriff’s office did not provide further information about their investigation, but, according to the complaint filed with the arrest, Radford’s story that his wife had shot herself in the chest, while holding the large, .44 caliber weapon in both hands, didn’t stand up to scrutiny, Law&Crime reported.
For one thing, authorities said, the weapon had no blowback material or blood on the barrel or muzzle, although there was a considerable amount of blood on her clothes and body. There was no blood on her chest, however, despite Radford’s claim that he had attempted CPR before medics arrived, which would have spread blood on her chest.
Authorities also believe they heard Radford say “I can’t believe I shot her” on the 911 call.
Prosecutors say the motive for the shooting was jealousy.
Deb Bell, Sabrina Radford’s aunt, told WGBA In a statement on behalf of Sabrina’s family, her aunt, Deb Bell, tells me they are “grateful for the continued efforts of the investigators who have remained committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice.” that the family is “grateful for the continued efforts of the investigators who have remained committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice.”
The sheriff’s office said that Radford was taken into custody in Waukesha County and transported back to Shawano County, where his bond was set at $800,000. His next court appearance is June 9, WGBA said.
