** Content warning: This article deals with the topic of suicide. If you or a loved one are experiencing mental distress, please call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
VERMILION, Ohio (WJW) — A Vermilion, Ohio, man is in jail after police say he gave his wife the weapon she used to take her own life.
According to Vermilion Police Chief Chris Hartung, officers were called to a home at 915 Nautical Drive on Sunday for reports of a suicide. Police met with 71-year-old Michael Joseph Krupienski at the residence, where they also found his wife, 81-year-old Maria, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to police, the two had been drinking at the VFW in Avon, and the anniversary of their daughter’s suicide was coming up.
While under the influence of alcohol, Maria “made suicidal thoughts out loud” and Michael retrieved a loaded .357-caliber magnum and handed it to her to “call her bluff,” police said.
Michael Joseph Krupienski is charged with reckless homicide and will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Vermilion Municipal Court. He’s currently being held in the Erie County Jail.