Wisconsin dad accused of killing his son during fight over 25 cents
07/28/2023 1:05 pm PDT
MADISON, Wis. (TCD) -- A 65-year-old man faces a murder charge after he allegedly shot and killed his 25-year-old son during a fight over 25 cents.
On Saturday, July 22, Madison Police Department officers were called to a home on the 2800 block of Warner Street for a weapons offense and found Zachary Shively deceased inside. Police arrested Zachary’s father, John, and reportedly found a pistol they believe was used in the shooting.
According to Madison Police, John told officers he and his son "were arguing over finances when the argument turned physical."
According to the criminal complaint cited by the Wisconsin State Journal, John allegedly used Zachary’s firearm and shot him in the heart and aorta.
The day of the shooting, Zachary asked John for cash, though John reportedly said he didn’t have any. He eventually gave Zachary $2, though the son reportedly said he needed $2.50. Zachary had some change on him but needed 25 cents more to get to the amount.
John reportedly told detectives he is behind on his mortgage payments and other taxes, so he did not want to give Zachary money. The 25-year-old asked his father often for money.
During their argument, Zachary reportedly punched his father and pushed him, causing him to hit his head on the wall.
John allegedly tried to walk upstairs, but Zachary pulled him back down. He then picked up the pistol, which was on one of the bottom steps.
He admitted to police, "I can’t tell you how much I regret that I picked it up, thinking that he would finally back down, which he didn’t do."
The court documents say John shot his son "point blank."
The criminal complaint cited by WMTV-TV says John told police, "I pulled the trigger."
Officers reportedly found blood on his clothing and hands and the gun on the floor pointing to Zachary’s body.
John is being charged with first-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon. His bond was set at $300,000.
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