Richardson: She cites self-defense; husband arrested last month

12:00 AM CDT on Monday, July 17, 2006

By MARISSA ALANIS / The Dallas Morning News

Richardson police are investigating the death of a 48-year-old man who they say was shot by his wife Saturday night.

Police received a 911 call at 11:04 p.m. Saturday from Linda Weng, 55, who said she had shot her husband, David Weng.

Officers found Mr. Weng dead, apparently from a single gunshot wound to the chest, inside the couple's home in the 2100 block of Plymouth Rock Drive.

Richardson police Sgt. Kevin Perlich said police were investigating the incident as a domestic shooting.

He said Ms. Weng had marks on her body that showed there had been physical contact between the couple before the shooting.

Ms. Weng was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Sgt. Perlich said Ms. Weng was then taken to the Police Department for questioning and was released pending further investigation.

"She is making the claim that it was self-defense and that she was protecting her life," Sgt. Perlich said. "She's very distraught over the whole incident. And unfortunately, there had been a little bit of history there with it."

Last month, Richardson police went to the home and arrested Mr. Weng in connection with a family violence incident, Sgt. Perlich said. Ms. Weng manages a fence company, and her husband worked as a security guard.

Resident Virginia Fortney said the only time she had talked to the couple was when they first moved into the neighborhood about two years ago.

"They have been a very quiet couple," Ms. Fortney said. "But you never know what happens inside the house."

Ms. Fortney said she saw police leaving the home Sunday morning with several guns. Sgt. Perlich said police found guns throughout the home, including various pistols.

Ms. Weng used a gun inside the home to shoot her husband, he said, but police hadn't determined which gun she used.

E-mail malanis@dallasnews.com