Man gets probation for killing wife

An 86-year-old man has received a probation sentence in connection with the shooting death of his 89-year-old wife.

Charles Smith says his wife, Betty, suffered from Alzheimer's disease, and he did everything he could for her. He said days without proper rest caused him to shoot his wife to death in March 2007.

Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Allen said Thursday Smith called police to his home, where he admitted shooting his wife and showed them the weapon.

Smith was charged with murder and held in Cook County Jail for 67 days before his family could post bail. Prosecutors reduced the charge to involuntary manslaughter, to which he pleaded guilty.

Allen said prosecutors considered Smith's age and health, as well as the condition of his wife, in reducing the charges.