Investigation underway into Portageville attempted murder, suicide incident

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred Friday night at a residence on W. 8th Street.

According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene at approximately 11:30 p.m. to assist the Portageville Police Department.

Officers determined that the victim had been shot by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself.

When Portageville Officers arrived on-scene the victim was able to give them a statement about what happened, and evidence recovered at the scene corroborated her statement.

The victim was transported by helicopter to a Memphis hospital, while a 58-year-old man, William James, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident is under investigation by the Portageville Police Department, New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, and New Madrid County Coroner’s Office.

From the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office-

On the night of May 17th at approximately 11:30 PM, New Madrid County Deputies responded to a residence on W. 8th Street in Portageville to assist the Portageville Police Department with a shooting investigation. Officers determined that the victim had been shot by her husband, who then turned the gun on himself.

When Portageville Officers arrived on-scene the victim was able to give them a statement about what happened, and evidence recovered at the scene corroborated her statement.

New Madrid County Coroner George Delisle pronounced 58-year-old William James deceased at the scene, and the victim was transported by helicopter to a Memphis hospital. This incident is still under investigation by the Portageville Police Department, New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, and New Madrid County Coroner’s Office.

Sheriff Joey Higgerson