Victim In Sunday Morning Shooting Has Died

John Kotopka (Courtesy of Lincoln Police)

LINCOLN—(KFOR June 23)—A 78-year-old Lincoln woman has died, after she suffered a gunshot wound to the head early Sunday morning at her home near 18th and Dakota, police said on Wednesday morning.

Janet Kotopka “succumbed” to her injuries early Wednesday morning, according to acting Lincoln Police Chief Brian Jackson. The Lancaster County Attorney’s Office will determine if new charges will be filed against 80-year-old John Kotopka, the victim’s husband. He is being held on $500,000 bond and is facing a charge of first-degree assault.

Janet Kotopka, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and John Kotopka had been married for 57 years. According to court documents say 80-year-old John Kotopka shot Janet Kotopka, who had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, because she became “combative when he or other health caregivers tried helping her.” John Kotopka told police he was exhausted from taking care of her and was concerned about the financial burden if she had to live in a health care facility.

This shooting remains under investigation. An autopsy will get underway soon.