Murder-suicide leaves 3rd victim in critical condition

A Caruthersville, Missouri, man shot and killed his wife, and then himself, in an overnight murder-suicide.

When Caruthersville Police Department officers were called to a residence at 902 Collins Ave. shortly after 11 p.m. Monday, they found 52-year-old David Hudgings of Caruthersville lying lifeless on the living room floor, with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. An unidentified female witness told police that Hudgings had gotten into an argument with his wife, 48-year-old Paula Hudgings of Caruthersville, and her 18-year-old daughter, Kortni Lewis, who also lived at the home.

A department report says Hudgings shot his wife in the back after she asked him to leave. She was transported to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti, Missouri, where she was pronounced dead. He then shot Lewis, who managed to escape the house before collapsing next door.

She remains listed in critical condition at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Hudgings also reportedly shot at the witness before turning the gun on himself.

The witness said she and the Hudgings' 9-year-old granddaughter, who also was present at the scene, managed to escape, injured, to a house next door. The child is now in the care of a family member.

Pertinent address:

Caruthersville, Mo.