Four shots, no known motive: Newton man sentenced for killing 74-year-old wife
A 71-year-old Newton man is headed to prison for more than 17 years for fatally shooting his wife in 2023.
Authorities have said Edward L. Altum called 911 around 1:45 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2023, after using a .22-caliber revolver to shoot 74-year-old Peggy Sue Altum as she lay in bed at the couple’s home, in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive. Police who responded were met by Altum, who left the house with his hands up and replied “no” when officers asked if everyone inside was OK.
They found Peggy Altum with several gunshot wounds to her head and shoulder, the gun on the kitchen counter and several spent shell casings in the trash and on the kitchen floor, a probable cause affidavit released in the case says. She died the next day at a Wichita hospital.
In a press release Wednesday announcing Edward Altum’s sentence, Harvey County Attorney Heather Figger said Peggy Altum had been shot four times, but the reason for the violence remains a mystery.
“Unfortunately there was no clear evidence of motive discovered in the investigation,” Figger said in a follow-up email.
No known domestic violence between the couple
Police have previously said there were no known incidents of domestic violence between the couple and no emergency calls about domestic violence in the home. There were no known medical or mental health issues, either, the affidavit says.
Peggy Altum was a retired title company receptionist and churchgoer who enjoyed tending her flowers and gardens, country western dancing and “the work of making a house a home for her family,” which was her “greatest joy,” according to her obituary.
Edward Altum pleaded no contest on Jan. 3 to an amended count of second-degree intentional murder and one count of aggravated battery, court records show. He originally faced a first-degree premeditated murder charge.
Harvey County District Judge Michael Llamas handed down his 208-month prison sentence on March 17, according to a journal entry of judgment filed in court this week.
