Background: News footage of the parking lot where Richard Hocking allegedly shot his wife on Jan. 3 (KGO). Inset: Richard Hocking (Alameda County Sheriff”s Office).

In a press release, the Fremont Police Department detailed the events, stating that officers found Patricia deceased from a gunshot wound in the couple’s van. Hocking, who wanted to surrender, reportedly explained his actions to the police, revealing a disturbing motive. He allegedly expressed that his wife had been suffering from health problems, and he felt that taking her life was, in some twisted sense, “necessary.”

Court documents obtained by local news outlet ABC affiliate KGO shed light on the chilling details. They indicate that Hocking had been contemplating this act for approximately a month. On that fateful night, he persuaded Patricia to accompany him in their Ford Transit van. The couple then drove to a shopping center parking lot, where the alleged murder took place.

Police reports further suggest that Hocking left their home that evening with a clear and ominous intent. His actions have not only left a family in mourning but have also stirred heartfelt discussions on the complexities of aging and caregiving.

According to police, Hocking had been “planning” to kill Patricia “for about a month” when he convinced Patricia to get in their Ford Transit van with him, then drove to a shopping center parking lot where he fatally shot her in the head. Police said Hocking left the couple’s home that night “knowing that he was going to kill her.”

KGO spoke to a neighbor who knew the couple, who had been married for 60 years. One neighbor told the station that Patricia suffered from diabetes and other health issues. She told the station Patricia was “almost in [a] chair. Not able to do chores or anything. [Hocking] was taking care of her completely.”

Hocking reportedly has “serious” health issues of his own, including COPD, according to the couple’s neighbors.

Hocking was charged with murder with an enhancement for using a firearm. He is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail, where he is being held without bail. His plea hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12.