Husband Arrested for Attempted Murder/Suicide

Carpinteria - September 19th, 2008

On Wednesday, September 17, 2008, Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Carpinteria Station were dispatched to check the welfare of a subject residing in the 4700 block of Third Street in Carpinteria. Deputies arrived at the location and discovered a vehicle parked in the driveway and with the engine running. They further observed a hose attached to the tail pipe and leading into the residence.

Deputies contacted a male in the residence, and a female lying in her bed in a rear room. Both of the subjects were then removed from the premises. Deputies then determined the male, 84 year old James Wheeler had attempted to murder his wife via carbon monoxide poisoning, while at the same time Wheeler attempted to commit suicide by the same means. James Wheeler was arrested at the scene and transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for medical treatment. His wife was also transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital where she was admitted for medical treatment.

James Wheeler was later released from the hospital and then booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail and held in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail.

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