Sheriff says Long Grove woman died in struggle over gun after shooting at husband
Authorities say a woman shot dead in her Long Grove home Monday first fired at her husband before a struggle over the weapon left her fatally injured.
Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli said Tuesday the couple were arguing over finances when Barbara Bell Powers, 47, got the revolver from an upstairs bedroom and fired at her 51-year-old husband. The bullet missed and lodged in a wall, he said.
The weapon discharged again during a struggle and Powers was struck by a bullet, according to the sheriff's office. Sheriff's deputies called to the home on Tall Oaks Drive about 12:20 p.m. found her dead inside the residence.
Covelli said physical evidence and portions of surveillance video from inside the home reviewed by investigators were consistent with the husband's statements about the struggle. He said the dispute erupted when the husband came home for lunch.
The husband has a valid Illinois firearm owners identification card for the revolver, which was stored in a safe, police said.
Covelli said investigators learned police reports from Tyler, Texas, dating from 2007 to 2013 alleged Bell Powers threatened her husband and someone else with a gun on separate occasions, but she never was charged. The couple lived in the Texas city before moving to Long Grove, Covelli said.
An autopsy conducted Tuesday indicates Powers died from a gunshot wound to the head, Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper said. Toxicology is pending.
Her husband is fully cooperating and was released from custody overnight, authorities said. The investigation into the shooting continues, but there is no threat to the community, sheriff's police said.
Covelli said an adult and teenage child live in the Long Grove house, but they were not present when the shooting happened. He said the investigation will continue with interviews including family members, friends and acquaintances.