In Massachusetts, a man faces serious charges after allegedly shooting his wife during an altercation and then remaining beside her body on the couch as law enforcement arrived at their residence.

James Marsh, aged 64, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in severe injury, according to reports from local media such as NBC’s Boston affiliate WBTS. This harrowing event occurred on Friday, just after the Christmas holiday.

At approximately 2:55 p.m. that day, officers from the Leominster Police Department responded to a residence on Union Street following a 911 call, as stated by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. The caller, whose identity remains unknown, provided the address before abruptly disconnecting, reports Boston.com.

A police supervisor authorized two officers to enter through an unlocked side door. Inside, one officer reported hearing what sounded like a person in distress, suggesting a medical emergency, as described in court documents.

Upon further investigation, the officer encountered a man seated on the couch pointing a firearm in her direction, as noted by Boston.com. Next to him, a motionless figure lay under a blanket, later identified as 62-year-old Ann Marsh.

Spotting the weapon, the officer shouted “Gun!” and quickly withdrew, leading James Marsh to barricade himself inside the house, according to police. After more than four tense hours of negotiation, he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.

Investigators entered the home and pronounced Ann Marsh dead. The defendant was in court on Monday, where prosecutors maintained that “during an altercation with his wife at home, he shot and killed his wife,” regional CBS affiliate WBZ reported.

Authorities described the death as domestic in nature and said on Sunday that it was still under investigation. Marsh is due back in court on Friday, where the charges against him could be upgraded.