News Summary
In a tragic incident in Madison County, Alabama, a man has been charged with murder after his wife was fatally shot on the night before she filed for divorce. The victim, Shari Knutzen, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The couple had been married for nearly 25 years, with recent court documents highlighting the victim’s fears of her husband and their tumultuous relationship. This case raises awareness about the dangers associated with domestic violence, especially during divorce proceedings.
Madison County Man Charged with Murder After Wife’s Fatal Shooting on Eve of Divorce Filing
A shooting investigation is currently underway in Madison County, Alabama, where a woman was fatally shot multiple times on Sunday night. The incident took place at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Steppe Court.
Deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to urgent reports of a shooting in progress and discovered the victim, identified as Shari Knutzen, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside her residence. Emergency personnel provided care at the scene before transporting her to Huntsville Hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, Knutzen was pronounced dead upon her arrival at the hospital.
The victim’s husband, Gary Robert Wharton, 64, was also taken to the hospital due to pre-existing medical conditions. After being treated and discharged, Wharton was arrested and charged with murder. He is currently being held without bond at the Madison County Jail.
Initial investigations suggest that the shooting may be connected to domestic violence. Knutzen and Wharton had been married for nearly 25 years. The relationship had recently taken a violent turn, as Knutzen had filed for divorce on May 1, citing an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.” Notably, the divorce documents were electronically served to Wharton earlier on the day of the shooting.
Reports indicate that Knutzen had been living in fear of her husband, taking precautionary safety measures in her daily life. She reportedly worked locked in her home office and had even removed bullets from their house, placing them for safekeeping with a neighbor. In court records, instances of psychological abuse were described, alleging that Wharton placed a dead rat under Knutzen’s pillow, exemplifying the extent of the torment she endured.
Domestic violence experts emphasize that leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time for victims. When victims attempt to escape their situations, the risk of homicide significantly increases, particularly during divorce proceedings, as illustrated in this tragic case.
The shooting has prompted an extensive investigation by the Madison County Major Crimes Unit, which is gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case highlights the grave realities of domestic violence and the severe risks that often accompany separation attempts.
Support resources are available for those affected by domestic violence. Individuals seeking help can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and assistance, reinforcing the importance of awareness and intervention in these precarious situations.
This incident further underscores the critical need for resources and support systems aimed at preventing domestic violence and protecting victims from harm.
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Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now
- Wikipedia: Domestic violence
- WAFF
- Google Search: Madison County shooting domestic violence
- WHNT
- Google Scholar: domestic violence
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: domestic violence
- WAFF (Injury Report)
- Google News: shooting death Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
