A pensioner, who lived with his wife in Goodmayes for more than 20 years, has appeared in court accused of shooting her dead in a care home.
Ronald King, 86, was charged with murder after his wife Rita King, 81, was killed at De La Mer House in Naze Park Road, Walton-on-the-Naze, on Monday morning.
Mr King, of Cedar Close, Walton-on-the-Naze, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today.
Looking hunched and frail and walking with a stick, Mr King had to ask the court clerk to repeat her request for his name and address before confirming his details.
He stumbled and had to be supported by a dock officer as he was led from court.
Mr King was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow.
The defendant and his wife lived in Kilmartin Road, Goodmayes, for more than 20 years and were keen members of Goodmayes Bowls Club.
A former neighbour told the Recorder bowling was “what they did together”.
Speaking about the weapon involved in the alleged incident, an Essex Police spokesman said: “The bullet came from what is a believed to be a 1934 Enfield revolver which was recovered at the scene.”
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