Death of Woman Shot in ICU Ruled Homicide

John Wise

AKRON, Ohio — The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled on the death of a woman, allegedly shot by her husband at Akron General Medical Center.

Barbara Wise, 65, died from a gunshot wound to the head, Chief Investigator Gary Guenther said. Her death is listed as homicide.

John Wise, 66, of Massillon, is accused of shooting his wife as she laid in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Saturday night. He was arrested at the hospital a short time later.

Officials say Barbara Wise had been critically ill at the time of the shooting, and “mercy killing” was being considered as a possible motive. She initially survived, then died a few days later.

John Wise appeared in court Tuesday morning. An Akron Municipal Court Judge set bond at $1 million. 

He is expected in court again Wednesday morning.

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