A Georgia police officer was arrested for murder on Wednesday for allegedly fatally shooting his wife and claiming she had killed herself.
Six days before Amanda Perrault, 44, was found dead in her home, her husband, Eatonton police Officer Michael Perrault, 43, was charged with simple battery, family violence, and cruelty to children for an incident which unfolded while their 8-year-old daughter was home, according to WMAZ.
Amanda Perrault told Putnam County deputies who responded to their home on January 28 that her husband struck her in the face and pushed her out the front door. WGXA reports that deputies noticed red marks on her chest and interviewed a witness who backed her story.
Released from custody the following day, Michael Perrault was reportedly on leave at the time of Monday’s incident. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills confirmed to WMAZ that the officer called his boss, Eatonton police Chief Kent Lawrence, instead of 911 after his wife was shot.
Michael Perrault allegedly claimed his wife was upset about their marital issues when she shot herself.
“Perrault had told him that his wife had killed herself and we, of course, responded immediately to the scene,” Sills stated.
WGXA reported that Amanda Perrault was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Michael Perrault claimed he witnessed his wife shoot himself, Sills said.
Sills reportedly said that at the initial court hearing, the judge was interested in placing a no-contact order as a condition of Michael Perrault’s bond. Amanda Perrault reportedly told the judge that her husband had nowhere to stay and that it was okay for him to come back home.
The Union Recorder reported that the couple’s 8-year-old daughter was at school at the time of Monday’s incident.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:
[Featured image: Michael Perrault/Putnam County Sheriff’s Office; Amanda Perrault/Facebook ]
