A tragic shooting in Haubstadt, Indiana, has left three Bakersfield natives dead and a family in mourning. Authorities have charged 77-year-old Patrick Waite with their murders. Waite is the husband of one of the victims.
The deceased have been identified as 61-year-old Alma Waite, her 81-year-old mother Gloria Tapia, and her 39-year-old son Fernando Tapia Ramirez Sr. All three previously lived in the Bakersfield area before relocating to Indiana several years ago.
Related posts
A fourth victim, Alma’s 44-year-old son, was critically injured in the shooting and remains hospitalized. No further updates on his condition have been released.
The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting last Thursday evening after receiving a 911 call believed to be made by Waite himself. Deputies arrived to find three victims dead and the suspect still at the scene.
Court documents reveal that Patrick and Alma Waite had been married for nearly two years. The couple had reportedly been discussing divorce, which Waite was unwilling to accept. According to authorities, Waite told investigators that Alma had become frustrated with him and was discussing home ownership before he opened fire. He said he then heard others in the home and shot them as well.
Waite admitted to the shootings, officials said. Four other individuals were inside the home at the time but were unharmed.
Waite now faces three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He appeared in court on Monday and is scheduled to return for another hearing in late July.
