Man Shoots Wife and Stops for a Beer on the Way to the Hospital

A man from Memphis was involved in a violent incident where he shot his wife and then drove her to the hospital, making an unexpected stop to buy a beer during the journey.

Decarlo Pitchford, age 51, reportedly pulled out a gun following an argument at their Tennessee home on July 19. The altercation was sparked when his wife threatened to leave him. Witnesses say Pitchford stated, “I told you stop playing with me,” before firing a shot with his Ruger handgun.

He shot his wife in the abdomen, and despite her injuries, Pitchford proceeded to drive her in his Dodge Ram towards Methodist University Hospital, stopping along the way for a beer, according to reports. Authorities did not specify the exact location or duration of the stop.

Mugshot of Decarlo Pitchford. — Decarlo Pitchford, 51, allegedly stopped for a beer while driving his wife, who he shot, to the hospital. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

During the trip, Pitchford claimed he believed his firearm had jammed and that the shooting was accidental. However, the victim insisted the shot was intentional. Police reports indicate that Pitchford was charged with attempted second-degree murder, domestic assault, illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, and theft of property.