The wife of the Peachtree City police chief shot in the back by her husband is paralyzed from the waist down, Channel 2 Action News reports, citing two unnamed sources.
William McCollom called 911 around 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day to report he had accidentally shot his wife when the gun discharged as he tried to move it from the bed where she was sleeping.
Margaret McCollom told the GBI she believes her husband didn’t intend to shoot her. The chief was placed on administrative leave pending the GBI’s investigation and an internal review.
That probe is still ongoing. The Fayette County district attorney will receive the GBI report upon its completion and he will determine if criminal charges are to be filed.
Margaret McCollom was released from Atlanta Medical Center earlier this week. It’s not known where and with whom she is recovering. Family members have declined interview requests.
City Manager James Pennington told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week that the chief is required to check in with him twice a day to report his whereabouts. It's believed William McCollom remains in Peachtree City. Because no charges have been filed against him, McCollom, who joined the department in 2012 as assistant chief, is still receiving his $115,000-a-year salary.
He was promoted last October following a series of favorable performance reviews.
William McCollom had four divorces, including one with Margaret McCollom. The couple apparently reconciled in 2011. According to the Associated Press, none of McCollom's divorce filings reveal any incidents of violence. His fourth wife accused him of infidelity, which he denied.
Pennington said the department will not initiate any disciplinary action unless charges are brought and there is a conviction.
About the Author
