86-year-old Taunton man charged in fatal shooting of his 71-year-old wife

TAUNTON, Mass. — An 86-year-old Taunton man is in custody in a Rhode Island hospital after the murder of his 71-year-old wife Sunday night.

Edmund Silveira, 86, is charged with assault and battery with a firearm, after his wife, Dianne Silveira, 71, was fatally shot in the couple’s driveway at 881 Bay St. in Taunton.

Just before 9 p.m. Sunday, first responders found Dianne Silveira suffering from gunshot wounds. The Bristol County District Attorney said in a statement that Edmund Silveira retreated into the house after the shooting.

A SWAT Team was deployed and set up a perimeter.

At 9:22 p.m., Dianne Silveira died at Morton Hospital from her wounds.

Hours later, the SWAT team’s tactical robot got into the house and found Edmund Silveira, unconscious, on the kitchen floor. In a statement, the District Attorney said Silveira had self-inflicted knife wounds to his neck and wrists.

Edmund Silveira was transported to RI Hospital in Providence where he is being treated for his injuries.

Once the 86-year-old Silveira is medically cleared for release, it is expected he will face upgraded charges for his wife’s death.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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