A man from Denver experiencing marijuana-induced hallucinations shot his wife to death while she was on the phone with police Monday, according to reports.
Richard Kirk, 47, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder. After a hearing in court Wednesday, officials determined Kirk will remain in custody without bond.
His wife, 44-year-old Kristine Kirk, was on the phone with 911 for nearly 15 minutes before Richard shot her in the head.
Kristine said her husband was "talking about the end of the world and he wanted her to shoot him," according to a probable cause statement filed in the case, NBC News reports.
Kristine told police that her husband's hallucinogenic rambling, brought on by a marijuana edible, was scaring her and their three children. Richard then went to their safe to grab their gun, and reportedly shot his wife dead as she was screaming.
Officers, who had initially been sent to the house on a domestic disturbance call, arrived at South St. Paul Street at 9:32 p.m. Richard was arrested at 9:55 p.m. and Kristine was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators are looking into why it took so long for dispatchers to arrive on the scene, and what type of pot treat Richard consumed before the act.
"I can't necessarily get into the specifics about that, but we are looking at a marijuana aspect of this investigation to see if it did play a role in this particular crime," Denver Police spokesperson Sonny Jackson said, according to 9News.
As police were taking Richard away in their squad car, he allegedly confessed to the murder, the New York Daily News reports. The marijuana-crazed murderer also has one prior arrest in Douglas County for driving under the influence and careless driving.
A longtime friend of the family told 9News that Richard did not seem like the violent type.
"It's just a big loss. She was a nice gal," said neighbor Erin Coyne.
