A shocking domestic violence case in Alabama has left an entire community stunned after authorities say a 65-year-old woman admitted to shooting and killing her husband while he was peacefully sitting in his recliner watching television.
Investigators describe the case as unusually straightforward, with the suspect herself calling 911 moments after the shooting and openly admitting what she had done. The incident, which happened inside the couple’s home in Russellville, is now being investigated as a domestic violence homicide.
Alabama Woman Arrested in Husband’s Fatal Shooting
Authorities in Alabama have arrested Sheri Mitchell-Clutts, 65, in connection with the death of her husband, Timothy Clutts, 69.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell-Clutts has been charged with:
- Murder of a family member using a firearm during domestic violence
She is currently being held in the Franklin County Jail without bond.
Shooting Happened Inside Family Home
Investigators say the shooting happened on Sunday evening at the couple’s home on Duncan Creek Road in Russellville, Alabama.
Russellville is located about 20 miles south of Muscle Shoals.
According to authorities, the deadly incident took place shortly before 7:30 p.m.
Wife Called 911 and Confessed
One of the most shocking parts of the case is that Mitchell-Clutts reportedly called emergency services herself.
According to investigators, she told dispatchers:
- She had just shot her husband
Deputies quickly arrived at the residence.
Victim Found Dead in Recliner
When officers entered the home, they found Timothy Clutts already dead.
Investigators said he was:
| Crime Scene Details | Findings |
|---|---|
| Location | Living room |
| Position | Sitting in recliner |
| Injury | Single gunshot wound to chest |
| Weapon | Handgun found nearby |
Authorities say the handgun used in the shooting was discovered resting on top of a cooler inside the home.
Suspect Admitted Firing the Shot
According to the sheriff’s office, Mitchell-Clutts immediately admitted to investigators that she fired the fatal shot.
Police say there was no attempt to hide evidence or flee the scene.
Sheriff’s investigators described the case as unusually direct compared to many homicide investigations.
Woman Gave Two Different Versions of Events
Although Mitchell-Clutts admitted to the shooting, investigators say she gave multiple explanations about what led to the fatal incident.
According to authorities, her first explanation involved fear.
She allegedly told investigators she felt threatened by her husband throughout the day.
Recovering From Recent Heart Surgery
Police say Mitchell-Clutts had recently undergone open-heart surgery approximately two weeks before the shooting.
According to investigators, she claimed her husband repeatedly entered her room while she was recovering.
She allegedly told police she felt disturbed and threatened by his presence.
Because of this, she reportedly got her handgun for protection.
Husband Was Watching TV When Shot
According to the sheriff’s office, Timothy Clutts eventually stopped checking on his wife and went into the living room to watch television.
Investigators say that instead of remaining in her room, Mitchell-Clutts allegedly:
- Left her bedroom
- Walked into the living room
- Found her husband sitting alone
- Fired one shot into his chest
Authorities say the victim never left his recliner.
Investigators Found No History of Domestic Violence
One of the biggest questions in the investigation is whether the couple had a history of domestic disputes.
Sheriff Shannon Oliver says investigators reviewed six years of call records.
So far, authorities say they found:
- No domestic violence calls
- No prior disturbance reports
- No documented history of violence between the couple
This has left investigators searching for possible mental, emotional, or medical factors behind the shooting.
Sheriff Calls the Case Unusual
Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said cases like this usually involve suspects fleeing or hiding evidence.
In this case, investigators say Mitchell-Clutts was unusually open about what happened.
Officials say this honesty has created even more questions about what may have led to the deadly decision.
Current Legal Status
Mitchell-Clutts remains in custody at the Franklin County Jail.
According to jail records:
- She is being held without bond
- She faces a serious domestic violence murder charge
- Future court dates have not yet been publicly confirmed
If convicted, she could face life in prison.
