In a quiet subdivision in Haubstadt, Indiana, the life of 81-year-old Gloria Tapia Garcia was tragically cut short in what authorities have described as a domestic dispute that escalated to a triple murder. Garcia, who was bedridden and required care, was shot and killed while lying in her medical bed. The incident also claimed the lives of her daughter, 61-year-old Alma Waite, and her grandson, 39-year-old Fernando Tapia Ramirez Sr. A fourth family member, another of Garcia's grandsons, was shot in the neck and chest but survived.
The alleged perpetrator, 77-year-old Patrick Waite, the husband of Alma Waite, was arrested in connection with the killings. According to law enforcement, Waite himself was one of several people who called 911 after the shootings. When police arrived at the Scottsdale Drive home, Waite surrendered and informed them that he was the shooter, also telling them where to find the. 45 Smith & Wesson handgun used in the incident.
A child reportedly witnessed one of the killings and was found hiding in a bedroom by the responding deputies.
The motive for the deadly outburst appears to be a heated argument between Patrick and Alma Waite concerning the ownership of the property where they lived. Waite had resided in the home for 27 years and had been married to Alma for approximately two years. The disagreement reportedly intensified when Alma informed him that she had filed a quitclaim deed, transferring the house into her daughter's name. According to police, Waite stated he shot his wife first during the argument. He then proceeded to shoot the other family members in the den.
Following his arrest, Patrick Waite was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He allegedly confessed to the shootings, telling detectives, 'I shot them all.' Despite his alleged confession to law enforcement, Waite pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance. He is being held without bond at the Gibson County jail. The community has been left to mourn the loss of three generations of a family in a single, violent event.
