The Police News
November 24, 2009

TIKI ISLAND, Texas -- Galveston County Sheriff's Detectives are investigating an early morning shooting in Tiki Island that left a woman dead and her husband charged with her murder.

Shortly 3:00 o'clock this morning,  9-1-1 operators received a call from a man in 1300 block of Tiki Dr. in Tiki Island reporting he had just shot his wife.

Tiki Island and Bayou Vista Police officers responded, arriving on the scene within three minutes to find Fred Wallace, 66, in front of his home, holding a pistol. Officers were able to convince him to surrender his weapon peacefully.

Captain Barry Cook said officers entered the home and found Joanne Jones Wallace, 64, dead from two gunshot wounds to her head.

Sheriff's investigators responded to the scene to assist Tiki Island Police and determined that Wallace, who appeared quite despondent, shot his wife shortly before calling 9-1-1.

Detectives are still investigating, but believe the couple's recent financial problems may be a likely motive for the shooting.

Fred Leonard Wallace has been charged with Murder and has been incarcerated at the Galveston County Jail under $75,000.00 bond.