By Chad Frey

Newton Kansan

Edward L. Altum, age 71 of Newton was found guilty of second degree intentional homicide and aggravated battery in the killing of his wife Peggy S. Altum by Judge Michael Llamas Jan. 3 in District Court No. 9.

Altum entered a plea bargain, pleading no contest to the charges.

The case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department. Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 17.

Peggy Altum 74, was shot Dec. 15, 2023. Edward Altum was initially arrested on an attempted murder charge.

Peggy Altum passed away days later, and charges were formally updated on Dec. 18 to First Degree Murder.

At about 1:45 a.m. Dec. 15, 2023, Newton Police responded to a report of a shooting in the 2000 block of Terrace Drive. A man at the house reported his wife had been shot and refused to answer any further questions.

A gun was recovered by police at the scene.