‘Heartbreaking tragedy’: Madison Co. woman’s death highlights perils of leaving abusive marriage.
Scott Rogers says his client was about to start a new life in Oregon.
The fatal shooting of a Madison County woman on Sunday spotlights the harrowing reality many domestic violence victims face when attempting to leave dangerous relationships, according to the victim’s attorney and court documents.
Shari Knutzen died shortly after she was shot multiple times at her home northeast of Huntsville, just hours after her husband of nearly 25 years, Gary Robert Wharton, received divorce papers she had filed. The shooting occurred shortly before 10:30 p.m., approximately nine hours after the electronic service of divorce documents at 1:44 p.m. that same day.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, one that is sadly becoming far too common in our society,” said Scott Rogers, an attorney with Secure Law PC who represented Knutzen. “She was a kind, gentle, intelligent and resilient woman who endured years of abuse in a long-term marriage that ultimately became increasingly dangerous.”
Rogers told FOX54 Knutzen had been living in fear, taking extraordinary measures for her safety including working locked in her home office and removing bullets from the house for safekeeping with a neighbor. Court records indicate she filed for divorce on May 1, citing an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” and claiming Wharton had “abandoned the marriage and cut off all financial and emotional support.”
Rogers described disturbing incidents of psychological abuse, including Wharton allegedly placing a dead rat under his wife’s pillow. Knutzen had been planning to return to her home state of Oregon to begin a new chapter in her life, Rogers said.
“She expressed a sense of relief that service had finally been completed, and she was hopeful about beginning a new peaceful chapter in her life,” Rogers explained, recounting their final conversation focused on concerns for her safety.
Madison County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the couple’s residence in the 200 block of Steppe Court. Knutzen was taken to Huntsville Hospital where she later died from her injuries. Wharton was arrested after being evaluated for a pre-existing medical condition and booked into Madison County Jail on murder charges.
The Madison County Major Crimes Unit is investigating the case, with officials noting preliminary findings of domestic violence.
Experts say cases such as this often involve a well-documented pattern where leaving an abusive relationship represents the most dangerous period for victims. According to domestic violence researchers, the risk of homicide increases significantly when victims attempt to leave their abusers, especially during legal proceedings like divorce.
“This devastating loss underscores the urgency of improving protections and support for victims of domestic violence,” Rogers emphasized. “Mrs. Knutzen should be remembered not only for her warmth, humanity and strength, but also as a reminder of how vital it is to act swiftly and decisively in the face of escalating abuse.”
Domestic violence resources are available for those in need through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
