A Maryland woman is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting her husband during a domestic dispute that she claims was sparked by evidence of an extramarital affair, according to police and court documents.
Nicole Ward, 50, of Bowie, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of her husband, 53-year-old Damian Ward, authorities with the Prince George’s County Police Department announced on Monday.
Officers responded to the couple’s home in the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road at around 1:45 a.m. on July 19. Upon arrival, they found Damian Ward suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to charging documents obtained by WTTG, Nicole Ward told officers she had discovered messages and photos on a second phone belonging to her husband that she believed showed he was having an affair. She reportedly confronted him, told him to pack his things, and ordered him to leave the home.
The confrontation escalated, and during the argument, she allegedly retrieved a .357 S&B Magnum revolver and shot him, authorities said.
Police have not disclosed any further information about the contents of the messages or whether Damian Ward responded to the accusations before the shooting.
Nicole Ward was taken into custody and remains held without bond at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections. Online court records confirm she faces multiple charges, including first- and second-degree murder and related firearm offenses.
Bowie, where the incident occurred, is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Baltimore.
