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70-year-old Muskegon Heights man charged in 'accidental' shooting homicide

Muskegon Heights Police continue investigating the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting of a Muskegon Heights woman by her long-time boyfriend.

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. - Police arrested 70-year-old Otha Wade around 2 a.m. Saturday morning at a home on Wood Street in Muskegon.

Authorities were called to the home after a gun in Wade's possession fired and killed 71-year-old Wilma Roberson. Wade and Roberson were not married, but according to police have lived together for many years.

Police continue to investigate the death, but believe at this point his hand gun accidentally fired after he removed a magazine with bullet from the gun. Roberson was shot in the chest. Efforts by a Muskegon Heights officer to revive her were not successful and she died.

Prosecutors have charged Wade with manslaughter for the homicide, and an additional charge of habitual offender because he was previously convicted for felony assault with a dangerous weapon in Kent County in 1998.

Wade remains in the Muskegon County Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.

The Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office said today because the investigation is open and active a final decision regarding charges has not been made. The preliminary charge of "manslaughter" could change based on the outcome of the investigation.

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