Ronnie Wiggs is facing a second-degree murder charge for strangling his wife to death while she was lying in a hospital bed in Missouri. Wiggs admitted to police that he killed his wife, who had come to the hospital for a new port for dialysis. The incident occurred on Friday, May 3, just before 11:30 p.m., when a hospital officer responded to the ICU unit after a “Code Blue” was called on a victim. Medical staff heard Wiggs saying, “I did it, I killed her, I choked her,” and observed suspicious injuries to the victim, including redness on her neck and a fresh wound in the middle of her throat. Despite efforts to revive her, she was declared brain-dead and preparations were made to harvest her organs.
Wiggs confessed to police that he choked his wife and covered her nose and mouth to prevent her from screaming. He claimed that he killed her because he was depressed and unable to afford her medical bills or take care of her. Wiggs also admitted to attempting to kill his wife two other times while she was hospitalized. He disclosed that he made an unsuccessful attempt at choking her at a rehabilitation facility, and his wife woke up and warned him not to do it again. He also admitted that he planned to try again but was unable to do so due to her being connected to monitors.
After making his first appearance on a second-degree murder charge, Wiggs was referred to the public defender’s office. A hearing was scheduled to review his $250,000 bond. The case has sparked outrage as Wiggs had previously been convicted in the killing of his first wife but was let off in the disappearance of his second wife. Prosecutors are pursuing justice for the victim and seeking to hold Wiggs accountable for his actions. The revelation of his repeated attempts to harm his wife while she was vulnerable and hospitalized is a troubling aspect of the case.
The case highlights the vulnerability of patients in hospital settings and the need for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring. The fact that Wiggs had a history of violence towards his wives raises questions about how such individuals are monitored and managed in society. The impact of his actions on his family, as well as the medical staff involved, is profound and underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those in need.
Authorities are working to ensure that justice is served in this tragic case, and efforts are being made to hold Wiggs accountable for his heinous act. Wiggs’ confession and admission of guilt provide a chilling insight into the mind of a perpetrator and the devastating consequences of domestic violence. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and the need for heightened awareness of potential warning signs. As the legal process unfolds, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of a life and the need for greater protection for vulnerable individuals in society.
