Indiana – An Indiana man was arrested and charged with three counts of murder and one count of atempted murder after allegedly shooting his partner and the woman’s mother three family members in their home. The incident occurred following a domestic dispute, and the 77-year-old defendant, P. Walte, reportedly called Indiana authoriteis to confess to the fataI shootings.
Upon arrival at the family’s residence, Sheriff’s deputies found three deceased individuals: 61-year-old AIma, her parent, 81-year-old GIoria and her son, 39-year-old Ferrnando. A fourth victim, 44-year-old Ruan was found critically injured with gunshot wounds to the neck and chest and was airlifted to a trauma center.
According to the affidavit, the elderly man told investigators that an argument with his wife escalated after she asked him to leave the home, citing a quitclaim deed transferring ownership to her daughter. The 77-year-old man claimed he had a firearm in his back pocket after using it to shoot an animal outside earlier that day. He allegedly shot his spouse in the kitchen and then proceeded to the den, where he shot her parent and two sons. The 77-year-old shooter informed deputies that the firearm was located on a lawnmower in the garage.
Four other individuals, including a child, were present in the home during the shootings but were unharmed. A juvenile witness reportedly saw the defendant shoot the victims and then hid in an upstairs bathroom with two other adults.
He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Sheriff’s Office, where he waived his Miranda rights and provided a recorded statement to detectives. He expressed remorse and acknowledged that he knew what he did was wrong.
The 77-year-old man made his initial court appearance on June 2, 2025, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He is currently being held without bond, and his next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2025.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses for the victims. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple law enforcement agencies involved, including the Indiana State Police.
According to the affidavit filed in the Superior Court, the defendant stated that his spouse informed him she had filed a quitclaim deed transferring ownership of their home to her daughter. The defendant, who had lived in the house for 27 years, expressed his refusal to leave, citing his long-term residence as justification.
Property records indicate that he purchased the single-family home in 1998 with his then-wife, Nanci. Following the woman’s death in 2019, he became the sole owner of the property. In 2024, after marrying his spouse, she became the sole owner of the home. Subsequently, on March 27, 2025, the woman added her family member’s name to the deed.