93-year-old Fremont man charged with murdering wife; saying it was 'necessary' due to health issues, court documents say
A 93-year-old Fremont man has been charged with murder for shooting and killing his 86-year-old wife.
Police say he surrendered soon after the incident.
Richard Hocking, 93, went before a judge on Wednesday to answer to charges, but his arraignment was postponed until next week.
On Drury Court in Fremont, a neighbor was moved to tears telling ABC7 News how surprised she was to learn that her elderly neighbor Richard Hocking was accused of killing his own wife, Patty.
"It's very shocking. It's very heartbreaking," said one neighbor. "I don't believe it. It's very, very hard for me to believe."
The neighbor, who didn't want to share her name, has known the husband and wife for about 4 years. She says they were a very loving couple.
"They were a very lovely couple made for each other. Richard being a very inspiring gentleman. And pat being a very good friend," said the neighbor.
The Hockings were married for 60 years.
A judge postponed Hocking's Wednesday's arraignment. Prosecutors say Hocking has confessed to killing his wife.
They say he drove his wife to a parking lot in the 5,000 block of Mowry Avenue ---just a few miles from their home -- over the weekend, then shot her in the head and called 911.
"PD is en route. They are currently on the line with a subject who stated he shot his wife."
RELATED: 93-year-old man turns himself in for alleged fatal shooting of his spouse: Fremont police
According to police, Hocking said he wanted to turn himself in and gave detectives a reason for the killing.
According to court documents:
Hocking said his wife had been struggling with health issues and killing her was, "necessary."
Court documents went onto say:
...he had been planning this for about a month and left his residence with Victim knowing that he was going to kill her...
Several neighbors say Hocking has serious health concerns including COPD and that his wife had diabetes and other health issues.
"One year or plus, she was almost in chair. Not able to do chores or anything. He was taking care of her completely," said the neighbor.
Hocking is being held without bail.
He is scheduled to return to court next Tuesday for his arraignment.
