Coroner rules Akron General Medical Center shooting death of Barbara Wise homicide

AKRON, Ohio - A coroner has ruled a Massillon wife, allegedly shot by her husband while in the ICU at Akron General Medical Center, died from a gunshot wound to her head. Her death is now being treated as a homicide.

Police say John Wise entered 65-year-old Barbara Wise's hospital room Saturday night and shot her while standing at her bedside. She was declared dead at Akron General Medical Center Sunday morning.

John Wise, 66, currently faces an attempted aggravated murder charge, but the charge will likely be increased now that the Summit Count Medical Examiner has ruled Barbara's death a homicide.

Mr. Wise is being held in the Summit County Jail.

Jim Gosky, a spokesman for AGMC, said one shot was fired in the ICU room on the third floor. Security officers responded from the ground floor after an emergency code was issued. A pop sound also drew a physician's attention to respond.

"It was an isolated incident," Gosky said. "No other staff was in harm."

Zampelli said John Wise immediately surrendered to security at the hospital. They restrained him until Akron police arrived.

Officials believe John shot his wife in an attempted mercy killing, Zampelli explained. It appeared the husband wanted to end his wife's suffering.

Friends said Barbara was admitted to the hospital one week ago with a serious brain aneurysm.

The couple had been married 45 years.

Wise is due back in court Wednesday morning.