by | Published
San Marcos, TX — A Hays County jury has sentenced a 73-year-old man to 25 years in prison after convicting him of aggravated assault against a family member in a violent domestic incident.
According to the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Rodger Wilder was convicted and sentenced on March 5, 2026, following a jury trial.
Prosecutors said the assault occurred in December 2024 during a verbal argument between Wilder and his wife of 44 years. During the confrontation, Wilder became enraged and strangled his wife before shooting her four times at close range with a .40-caliber handgun.
The victim was struck in the hip and abdomen but survived the attack.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the couple’s son heard the gunshots and rushed downstairs, where he found Wilder standing over the victim with the firearm. Wilder reportedly attempted to claim that his wife had tried to commit suicide.
The son was able to disarm Wilder and lock him outside the home before calling 911.
Emergency responders transported the victim to a hospital, where she received medical treatment and recovered from her injuries.
During the punishment phase of the trial, jurors heard testimony detailing years of emotional, verbal, and physical abuse that the victim had endured.
Assistant District Attorneys Shea Umphrey and Ashley Indelicato prosecuted the case.
Umphrey praised the victim and her son for their courage during the trial, noting that the son’s quick actions likely saved his mother’s life. She also emphasized that domestic violence will not be tolerated and that offenders will be held accountable.
