News - Local/State

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

Clover man accused of killing 90-year-old wife

A 90-year-old Clover woman was shot to death Wednesday, police say, and her 73-year-old husband is facing murder charges.

Gustave Hartner, 73, of 2024 Big Dipper Drive, apparently tried to kill himself after shooting Mildred Hartner, said Capt. Jerry Hoffman of the York County Sheriff’s Office.

Mildred Hartner died from a gunshot wound, Hoffman said. The shooting took place at about 11 a.m. Wednesday, and Mildred Hartner died sometime later.

“It appeared that there may have been some underlining medical conditions,” Hoffman said. “That looks like that was his motive.”

Gustave Hartner apparently tried to overdose, Hoffman said. Officials believe he was using drugs, according to police reports.

Gustave Hartner is listed in fair condition at Piedmont Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.