US man kills wife at hospital after failing to pay bills

A man in the United States has been indicted for second-degree murder following the death of his wife, whom he allegedly strangled at a hospital.

Identified as Ronnie Wiggs, the husband informed law enforcement that he was unable to afford his wife's medical expenses. The tragic incident took place around 11:30 pm on Friday at the Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.

Hospital personnel contacted an off-duty police officer after an apparent assault on a patient in the ICU. The victim, referred to only as a female, was undergoing a procedure to receive a new dialysis port, as reported by Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to KCTV.

Prosecutors contend that while the woman was in her hospital bed, Ronnie Wiggs began strangling her. He purportedly covered her mouth and nose to prevent her from seeking assistance, according to prosecutors.

Upon the police's arrival, the victim was found unresponsive with no pulse, as per court records cited by Fox. Despite being placed on life support, she was eventually taken off after exhibiting no signs of brain activity.

Allegedly, hospital staff overheard Mr. Wiggs admitting to the crime. "I did it. I killed her. I choked her," he reportedly confessed, according to court documents obtained by Fox.

Mr. Wiggs was apprehended for first-degree domestic assault and detained by the Independence Police Department. During interrogation, he purportedly confessed to authorities that his wife was undergoing a procedure to receive a new dialysis port.

He further confessed to covering her nose and mouth to stifle any cries for help and applying pressure to her throat with his thumbs.