My maternal grandmother lived with my family my entire time growing up. Because of that, I was exposed to a lot of “medical trauma” due to her poor health and constant trips to the hospital. It’s a hard existence, and I always felt so terrible she had to live like that. She lived into her 80s, but many times on the way there she faced bouts of depression that nearly consumed her. Facing medical complications and having to do so in a care facility has to be extremely harrowing.
For one elderly couple in Mesa, Arizona, it appears whatever they were experiencing simply became too much for one or both of them. Police are now left trying to determine the motive behind what they believe to be a murder-suicide in the case of 92-year-old Jerome Woolums and 93-year-old Katharine Woolums.
According to The New York Post, Jerome Woolums was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the early hours of October 16, 2025, still holding the gun, after allegedly shooting his spouse at the assisted living facility where they both lived and received medical care. Although Jerome Woolums was found dead at the scene, Katharine Woolums died at the hospital due to her injuries.
“We are looking at this as a murder-suicide,” a police spokesperson informed The Arizona Republic. “At this stage of the investigation, evidence indicates Jerome shot his wife, Katharine, before taking his own life.”
Some believe the couple may have planned their deaths together.
“We put our pets down when it’s time. We force our seniors to stay alive until the bitter end. Sounds to me like it was their time, on their terms,” someone commented on the Post story.
“After all they where both in their 90’s and decide it is time to die , sounds terrible till you get old together . More of a mercy killing and suicide , rather tragic getting to that age,” another person wrote.
A study of newly admitted residents in US nursing homes found that approximately 36% had a diagnosis of depression (excluding bipolar disorder) and/or an anxiety disorder. Among those, 54.3% had depression without anxiety and 25.2% had both depression and anxiety. A different study found that although about 14.4% had probable or definite major depressive disorder, up to 44.2% of residents exhibited significant depressive symptoms. Additionally, only around 37 to 45% of depressed cases were recognized by staff.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
