Inset: James Chelf (Allen County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The Indiana mobile home park where James Chelf lives and allegedly shot his wife with a .38 revolver (Google Maps).
An Indiana man, aged 79, is facing charges after allegedly greeting police officers at his doorstep with a calm demeanor, reportedly saying, “just my dog and my dead wife” when inquired if anyone else was present in his home.
James R. Chelf, residing in Allen County, reportedly confessed to officers at his Yoder home in Woodlake Estates Mobile Home Park on Friday night, stating, “I just went nuts,” as per court records obtained by local ABC station WPTA.
Expressing remorse, Chelf allegedly added, “I’m sorry,” after describing the violent scene inside, with no clear explanation for his actions.
Following the shocking discovery, Chelf was taken into custody and charged with murder, as authorities claim he fatally shot his wife during a dispute. Reports from WPTA indicate that the victim suffered several gunshot wounds, including to the head.
Chelf reportedly confessed to “losing his mind,” and, according to court documents, went to a neighbor’s house after the incident, telling them, “I just shot my wife.” He then allegedly requested the neighbor to contact 911 and returned home to await the arrival of law enforcement.
The septuagenarian walked over to his neighbor’s home after the shooting and told them “I just shot my wife,” according to court documents. Chelf allegedly asked the neighbor to call 911 and then walked back to his residence to wait for officers.
After the cops arrived around 10:15 p.m., Chelf told them he left the .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver that he used to shoot his wife on their dining room table, according to the court documents. The weapon was allegedly recovered with three spent casings, two live rounds, and one empty chamber.
Chelf was taken into custody and booked into the Allen County Jail. In an interview with police, Chelf allegedly said he was arguing with his wife while she was working on a project in their bedroom. He claimed he could not remember what they were fighting about, only that he shot her during the argument, per the court documents.
Chelf is due to appear in court on June 8 for a trial-setting hearing. He is being held without bond.
