KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Independence Police Department is investigating a homicide over the weekend in the area near 37th Terrace and Jackson Road.
Police said the victim was at a hospital to get a dialysis port changed.
Ronnie J. Wiggs, who was the victim's then-husband and suspect in the murder, allegedly strangled the victim while she was in the hospital bed.
Wiggs told investigators he couldn't afford to pay his wife's medical bills and take care of her any longer, according to court documents.
He left the hospital after the killing and later returned after hospital staff found the victim.
Wiggs allegedly told detectives he had attempted to kill his wife before when she was at a rehabilitation facility.
Additionally, he allegedly said he planned to kill the victim at another time but couldn't because she was hooked up to monitors.
Wiggs is charged with second-degree murder. His initial court appearance was Monday afternoon.
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