A Massachusetts man has been charged with manslaughter after police said his wife was fatally shot during an argument involving a gun found inside their apartment.
Woman Fatally Shot in Apartment
Sean Brewer, 58, was arrested after his wife, 47-year-old Jacklyn Berry, died from a gunshot wound on Sunday in their Winthrop, Massachusetts, home.
According to police, officers responded to the apartment after Brewer called 911 shortly after 8:30 a.m.
Investigators said Berry was found inside the couple’s bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound.
Husband Claims Shooting Was Accidental
Police said Brewer told investigators he had been cleaning the apartment before church when he discovered a jacket that did not belong to him.
According to prosecutors, Brewer said he found a gun inside the jacket and confronted Berry about it before the firearm allegedly discharged.
Court documents state Brewer claimed he did not pull the trigger and that the gun “spontaneously went off.”
During court proceedings, Brewer’s attorney said Berry allegedly made a “dying declaration” during the 911 call stating that the shooting was an accident.
Charges Filed Against Brewer
Brewer has been charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm without a firearms identification card, and possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his court appearance on Tuesday.
According to reports, Brewer became emotional and cried in court while prosecutors described the incident.
Previous Charges and Upcoming Court Date
Prosecutors also noted that Brewer is already facing separate charges involving assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
A judge revoked his previous bail and set a new bond at $100,000 in the shooting case.
Berry’s family later described her as “sweet, loyal, loving, and kind” in a public statement shared with local media.
Brewer is scheduled to return to court on June 17.
