PONTIAC (WWJ) -- The Oakland County Prosecutor has charged a Pontiac man with two felonies following the shooting of the man’s wife.
David Lee Montgomery , 70, and his wife were reportedly arguing on May 23 when the shooting happened. The bullet hit the woman in the jaw, just missing her carotid artery.
Authorities said she is expected to recover from her injuries.
The couple's two grandchildren were also in the home at the time.
“No one should be unsafe in their own home or at the hands of an intimate partner,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “I’m thankful this victim is expected to recover. We know access to firearms only makes domestic violence situations more dangerous for victims.”
On Wednesday, McDonald announced she was charging Montgomery with assault with intent to murder and felony firearm. Assault with intent to murder is punishable by up to life in prison. The sentence for felony firearm is two years in prison, which is served consecutively to any other sentence.
He is being held without bond.
According to statistics quoted by the Prosecutor’s Office from the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence:
- More than 850 women are killed by intimate partners with guns every year.
- An abuser’s access to guns makes it five times more likely that a woman will be killed in a domestic violence incident.
- Roughly 25 million adults in America have experienced gun abuse by an intimate partner.
- Women in the U.S. are 21 times more likely to be killed with a gun than those in other high-income countries.
Anyone who needs assistance with domestic or intimate partner violence is encouraged to call 866-VOICEDV (866-864-2338). There are trained advocates available 24/7.
