A 93-year-old California man has confessed to fatally shooting his 86-year-old wife, telling investigators the act was "necessary" due to her declining health, according to court documents.
Richard Hocking is alleged to have planned the killing of his wife, Patty, for approximately one month before carrying out the shooting in the early hours of January 3 in Fremont. Police say Hocking called 911 immediately afterward to turn himself in.
Officers arriving at the scene found Hocking by his vehicle, where his wife's body was discovered inside. A firearm was recovered from the car. The couple had been married for six decades.
Neighbors described the pair as dealing with significant health challenges. Patty Hocking reportedly struggled with diabetes and had become largely confined to a chair, relying on her husband for care. Richard Hocking is also said to suffer from COPD, a serious lung condition.
"He was taking care of her completely," one neighbor told local news, expressing shock and heartbreak over the incident.
In a statement to police, Hocking reportedly claimed his wife had been "struggling with health issues and killing her was 'necessary.'" He detailed that he had left their home with her knowing he intended to carry out the act.
Hocking was booked on suspicion of homicide with a gun enhancement. His arraignment, initially scheduled for this week, was postponed. He is being held without bail and is expected to appear in court next Tuesday as the investigation continues.
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