Police tape off a Monterey home after they say a man shot and killed his wife while she was sitting in a friend's car. (WSBT photo)
Story Created:
Apr 13, 2008 at 10:57 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Apr 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM EDT
MONTEREY, Ind. — A murder in a small town in Pulaski County has left neighbors in shock. Police say Tomas Solano shot and killed his wife Denise in the driveway of their Monterey home Sunday afternoon.
Tomas then drove to Michigan City where his relatives live. Police found him hiding in the Greenwood Cemetery, where they say he then shot himself in the head.
The images aren’t just sad, they’re shocking. And they’re the last thing neighbors like Bart Shank would ever expect to see in this small, quiet town.
“This is just the heart of America. You don’t see things like this. You hear about them. You watch the news and think, man I’m glad I don’t live there,” Shank told WSBT News.
But on Sunday afternoon, murder became a reality. Police say Tomas Solano shot his wife Denise as she sat in a car in front of their house.
Police say they'd been fighting the past several months. On many occasions, officers were called to help control the situation.
“Each time that we responded it’s ended in a peaceful manner. And we’ve left the house reassured by both of them that they would continue with their marriage without the police intervention,” said Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer.
But this time the ending would turn tragic.
“I guess everybody’s got problems. But geez, to take it that far,” said Shank.
The tragedy doesn't just leave behind a grieving family. It leaves neighbors like Shank wondering how to pick up the pieces and move on.
“I think this is just a bad day for everyone. What do you do? Go on with your life and pray to God it doesn’t happen to you, right?” said Shank.
“So it’s a very unfortunate day for people who knew them, friends, family, and for all us that’s involved in any type of death situation,” said Gayer.
The suspect was temporarily staying with his mother in Michigan City.
Police also arrested another man for his alleged part in this shooting. They believe he gave Solano the gun, and knew what he planned to do with it.
The couple's three young children were already in protective custody when the shooting happened.
Sunday, Apr 20 at 9:57 PM BARB FROM WALMART wrote ...
I LOANED DENISE THE CAR TO GET HOME BECAUSE HER CAR BROKE DOWN,IT IS MY FAULT THIS HAPPENED IF I DIDN'T LOAN OUT THE CAR SHE MAY STILL BE ALIVE.LEAVE THE FAMILY ON DENISE'S SIDE ALONE UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ALL TALKING ABOUT