‘I have no reason why’: 79-year-old man allegedly shot wife, told neighbor to dial 911
05/28/2026 5:00 pm PDT
YODER, Ind. (TCN) -- A 79-year-old man has been charged with murder and is being held without bond in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife.
According to court records obtained by WPTA, James Richard Chelf went to his neighbor’s house on May 22 and told her he had just shot his wife and to call 911. When authorities arrived, Chelf was reportedly sitting in front of his home. When asked if anyone else was in the residence, he allegedly said, “Just my dog and my dead wife.”
Chelf’s wife, identified by the Allen County Coroner’s Office as Sandra Chelf, 77, was located inside and pronounced dead from gunshot wounds to the head and torso, according to WRTV.
Once in custody, Chelf alleged that he and his wife were arguing, but he could not remember what the argument was about, WPTA reports. He allegedly said, “I have no reason why” and “I just went nuts,” in addition to apologizing for his actions.
Chelf was booked into the Allen County Jail and charged with murder and is being held without bond, according to a press release from the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.
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