Rodger Wilder, 73, formerly of Kyle, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following his conviction by a Hays County jury for Aggravated Assault Against a Family Member, according to the office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins
The offense occurred in December of 2024 when, during a verbal argument with his wife of 44 years, Wilder became enraged and strangled her before shooting her four times with a .40 caliber handgun at close range, according to Hays County.
She was struck in the hip and abdomen by the gunshots. The evidence at trial showed that their son heard the shots and came downstairs to find Wilder standing over the victim with a gun in his hand.
Wilder tried to claim that she had attempted to commit suicide. The son was able to disarm Wilder and lock him outside while calling 911. Officers and EMS responded and transported the victim to the hospital, where she received medical treatment and survived.
During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury heard testimony about years of emotional, verbal and physical abuse by Wilder that the victim had been subjected to, according to Hays County
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Shea Umphrey and Ashley Indelicato.
“The victim and her son showed extreme bravery and strength through their testimony,” Umphrey said. “It is because of the son’s quick actions and determination that she is alive today. Domestic violence is unacceptable at any age.
“We will continue to hold offenders accountable who try to bully, intimidate, and harm others. We appreciate the care and dedication that our staff, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS took with this case to help bring the defendant to justice,” Umphrey said.
