In a tragic incident in Massachusetts, a man allegedly shot his wife during an argument and then remained seated beside her body on the couch as law enforcement arrived on the scene.

The suspect, James Marsh, aged 64, faces charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in severe injury, according to reports from local media like NBC’s Boston affiliate WBTS. The disturbing event unfolded on the Friday following Christmas.

Leominster police received a 911 call at around 2:55 p.m. that day, prompting officers to respond to a residence on Union Street, as noted by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. An anonymous caller provided the home’s address before abruptly ending the call, Boston.com reported.

Authorized by a supervising officer, two officers entered the home through an unlocked side door. One officer perceived sounds resembling someone in distress, suggesting a medical emergency, as documented in court records.

Upon further exploration, the officer encountered a man on a couch aiming a firearm in her direction, Boston.com detailed. Next to him lay another person, motionless and covered by a blanket, later identified as 62-year-old Ann Marsh. Investigators confirmed her identity and demise.

“Gun!” the officer reportedly yelled as she saw the suspect’s gun. She retreated, and James Marsh barricaded himself in the home, police said. After more than four hours of trying to get him out, he surrendered and was arrested.

Investigators entered the home and pronounced Ann Marsh dead. The defendant was in court on Monday, where prosecutors maintained that “during an altercation with his wife at home, he shot and killed his wife,” regional CBS affiliate WBZ reported.

Authorities described the death as domestic in nature and said on Sunday that it was still under investigation. Marsh is due back in court on Friday, where the charges against him could be upgraded.