Man Fatally Shot Wife Twice In The Chest After Being 'Startled' In His Sleep

A man in Arizona is facing murder charges, among other crimes, on Friday after he shot and killed his wife in their home after claiming that he was startled by her afer she accidentally woke him up.

Christopher Hoopes, a 36-year-old man, claims that he shot his wife, 25-year-old Colleen Hoopes, twice in the chest accidentally after he had woken up from his sleep and had been startled by the presence of his wife, according to NBC News.

It is unclear what Christopher thought Colleen was when he shot her, nor the specific location of the gun he used, which might’ve been close to the bed.

Hoopes then called the police and reported the shooting, after which the victim was rushed to a hospital in an attempt to save her life. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead 40 minutes later when she died from her injuries, the New York Daily News reported.

The family and friends of Colleen Hoopes have found themselves grieving heavily for her death. Many remember her as a well-loved member of the community who graduated from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in 2017 before joining Ballet Arizona, where she has regularly performed since.

“The victim in this case was an extremely talented dancer, beloved by her community,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said. “Her life was cut short, and this office will seek justice for her and her family, who are devastated by her death.”

“She shone a bright light at IUBT, pouring kindness and passion into her dancing and life alike. Our faculty and alumni grieve her passing and send our love, support, and condolences to her family and friends,” Indiana University said about her death. “Her parents, Deb and Ed Buckley hope to found a ballet scholarship in her name.”

It is unclear as to how Christopher and Colleen Hoopes first met each other or wed. Christopher will be charged with second-degree murder, felony domestic violence, and unlawful discharge of a weapon.