Hailey
A tragic and shocking crime has shaken the small town of Clinton, Missouri. A woman named Angelika Couch has been charged with first-degree murder after police say she fatally shot her husband while he was asleep.
The case, which unfolded on the morning of August 13, 2025, has brought forward disturbing details involving alleged threats, domestic violence, and a deadly decision. This article explains what happened, what police found, and what could happen next in court.
The Morning of the Shooting
On August 13, 2025, at about 6:34 a.m., Clinton police officers responded to an emergency call. Angelika Couch had contacted dispatchers and told them she had shot her husband in the head while he was sleeping.
According to the probable cause statement filed in Henry County Court, Couch claimed that her husband had threatened to kill her earlier that morning.
What Led to the Shooting
Court records reveal the events leading up to the shooting:
- The night before, the couple had a heated argument.
- Couch said her husband damaged parts of their home during the fight.
- She also alleged that he put a handgun in her mouth as a threat.
- After the confrontation, her husband went to bed.
- The next morning, Couch said she found the gun on his nightstand and fired a shot at his head while he slept.
Police Evidence at the Scene
When officers arrived, they found disturbing evidence that matched Couch’s story:
- A revolver was on the nightstand beside the bed.
- It was loaded with five .38 special cartridges, with one already fired.
- The victim was found dead in bed.
- Couch repeated her account of events during a post-Miranda interview, giving the same explanation she had told dispatchers earlier.
Charges Filed Against Couch
Prosecutors charged Angelika Couch with:
- First-degree murder – the most severe murder charge in Missouri, which can result in life in prison without parole.
- Armed criminal action – a charge applied when a felony is committed using a deadly weapon.
At the moment:
- Couch remains in custody.
- No bond has been set.
- She will face a preliminary hearing before the case moves forward.
Case Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Clinton, Missouri |
| Date & Time | August 13, 2025 – 6:34 a.m. |
| Suspect | Angelika Couch |
| Victim | Husband (name not released) |
| Weapon | .38 special revolver |
| Charges | First-degree murder, armed criminal action |
| Current Status | No bond, in custody |
Community Shock and Reaction
The community of Clinton has been left stunned by the case. Neighbors say they occasionally heard arguments from the couple’s home but did not expect such violence. The case has sparked conversations about domestic violence, gun safety, and self-defense laws in Missouri.
Possible Legal Defense
While the charges are serious, Couch’s defense may attempt to argue:
- Self-defense – that she acted to protect herself after repeated threats.
- Fear and emotional distress – that she acted under severe mental pressure after the previous night’s events.
However, under Missouri law, using deadly force against someone who is asleep is very difficult to justify as self-defense.
What Happens Next in Court
The case will move forward in stages:
- Preliminary hearing – a judge will decide if enough evidence exists to proceed.
- Arraignment – Couch will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Trial – if no plea deal is made, a full trial will be held.
If convicted of first-degree murder, she could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
This tragic case from Clinton, Missouri, highlights how domestic disputes can escalate into deadly situations. While Couch claims she acted because she feared for her life, the legal system will carefully examine whether her actions meet the definition of self-defense under Missouri law.
The upcoming court hearings will determine her fate, and the small town will be watching closely as the case unfolds.