Holly MatkinChicago, IL – Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officer German Villasenor was fatally shot by his wife while trying to stop her from committing suicide on Nov. 2, according to prosecutors.
Cook County prosecutors said the incident occurred at the couple’s home in the 8500-block of West Winona Street at approximately 7 p.m., WMAQ reported.
Officer German Villasenor, 44, and his wife, fellow CPD Officer Jacqueline Villasenor, 39, were both off-duty at the time.
According to court records, Officer Jacqueline Villasenor later told investigators that she and her husband were arguing over a prior affair she had, WMAQ reported.
She allegedly told police she threatened suicide during the argument and grabbed a 9mm handgun, resulting in a struggle over the weapon.
During the tussle, Officer Jacqueline Villasenor allegedly discharged the weapon, shooting Officer German Villasenor in his chest, WMAQ reported.
The bullet traveled through his heart and was found lodged in the wall behind him, according to prosecutors.
The couple’s 16-year-old son ran upstairs to his parents’ bedroom when he heard the gunshot, WMAQ reported.
His mother was performing CPR on his father when he went inside the room, according to prosecutors.
She told the teen to call 911 and to get her medical kit from her car.
The boy placed the call, which was dispatched over the police radio, WMAQ reported.
A fellow off-duty officer heard the call and rushed over to the couple’s home, arriving prior to the on-duty officers, according to court documents.
He later told investigators Officer Jacqueline Villasenor smelled of alcohol and that she told him about the reason behind the argument and how she threatened suicide, WMAQ reported.
She allegedly told him the gun went off as they were struggling over it, prosecutors said.
Police said Officer Jacqueline Villasenor refused to submit to alcohol testing after the shooting.
Officer German Villasenor was pronounced dead at Lutheran General Hospital, WMAQ reported.
“Her husband tried to save her life by reaching for that gun, and he was killed as a result,” Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said during a court hearing on Friday, according to the Block Club.
The couple had been married for 20 years.
Officer Jacqueline Villasenor has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and faces a maximum of 14 years in prison if the is convicted, WMAQ reported.
She could also potentially be sentenced to probation.
“Last night, we lost a member of our Chicago Police Department family,” CPD Superintendent David Brown said in a statement to WBBM on Nov. 3. “An off-duty officer was killed in a tragic shooting incident at his home last night. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation at this time. I ask for prayers on behalf of this officer’s loved ones as they mourn.”
Officer German Villasenor joined the CPD in 2016, according to the Block Club.
In addition to his son, he also leaves behind his daughter.
Most of his other family members reside in Mexico, according to a fundraising page established to help his children in the wake of their loss.
Donors have contributed more than $16,000 to the fund so far.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicago Police Department Officer German Villasenor, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
