Arkansas woman tried to smother, shoot husband, deputies say

WEST FORK, Ark. (KFSM) -- A West Fork woman is accused of trying to kill her husband before he could leave her.

Vera Wintrode, 61, was arrested Saturday, June 1, in connection with attempted second-degree murder, a Class A felony.

Thomas Wintrode said his wife came into kiss him goodnight around 11:30 p.m., but later returned and put a pillow over his face.

He said he pushed her off and managed to get into his wheelchair, but she returned with a handgun and opened fire from their hallway.

Despite being shot, Thomas Wintrode said he was able to get a different gun and call 911.

Washington County sheriff's deputies arrived at the Wintrode's home on Trace Branch Road, where they found holes in the walls, spent shell casings and blood, according to the affidavit.

Thomas Wintrode said he has been trying to leave his wife and sell their home, which she disagrees with, according to the affidavit.

Deputies said Vera Wintrode declined to give a statement about the incident, but “made several references that her life was over and had completely changed in just one day.”

Vera Wintrode was held at the Washington County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond. She has a hearing July 1 in Washington County Circuit Court.