Inset: Susan Michelle Perry. Background: Home in the 8500 block of New Oak Lane in Huntersville, North Carolina, where Perry allegedly murdered her husband (Google Maps).
In a shocking turn of events in North Carolina, a woman’s claim of her husband’s suicide has unraveled, leading to her arrest. Authorities in the state now allege that Susan “Michelle” Perry, 54, may have murdered her husband, pointing to her incriminating internet history as evidence.
Michelle Perry faces charges of first-degree murder following the death of her husband, 58-year-old Robert “Joe” Perry, in Huntersville, a suburb of Charlotte. Police were called to the couple’s residence on New Oak Lane shortly before 1 p.m. on November 10. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, officers found Michelle Perry kneeling on the floor upon their arrival. A further search led to the discovery of Robert Perry in his office, suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest.
A gun was found on a nearby table, with blood stains surrounding a stool in the room.
Michelle Perry allegedly informed investigators that she heard a “thud,” suggesting her husband had fallen. She claimed she rushed to his office, where she found him lying in a pool of blood, prompting her to call 911.
During their investigation, detectives examined the couple’s phones, uncovering a series of suspicious Google searches on Michelle Perry’s device.
Authorities noted that Michelle’s phone history included queries about the value of her husband’s wedding ring, advice on what to do if a husband wants a divorce when one has no money, and searches for “center mass shots,” which raised further suspicions.
Armed with this information, cops reinterviewed her on Feb. 6, when she allegedly changed her story. She claimed the night prior to the shooting, she spoke with her husband about a possible divorce.
She said that on the day in question, they had an argument that spilled into his office. She said her husband grabbed a gun and was sitting on a stool. He was not pointing it at her but she feared he may shoot her so she grabbed it and a struggle ensued, the affidavit stated.
“She advised while she was holding the firearm, it went off, striking Joe in the chest,” cops wrote.
Detectives noted the defendant made several “inconsistent statements” about how long she waited to call 911 and where she put the gun after he was shot. A medical examiner determined the victim was shot at “close” range.
Susan Perry was arrested and placed in the Mecklenburg County Jail where she remains on $150,000 bond. She’s next slated to appear in court on Feb. 27.
