Staff Report
SAN MARCOS – On March 5, a Hays County jury returned a verdict of 25 years in prison for Roger Wilder, 73, following his conviction by that same jury of aggravated assault against a
family member.
The offense occurred in December 2024 when, during a verbal argument with his wife of 44 years, Wilder became enraged and strangled her before shooting her four times with a .40 caliber handgun at close range, stated a Hays County news release, and she was struck in the hip and abdomen by the gunshots. The evidence at trial showed that their son heard the shots and came downstairs to find Wilder standing over the victim with a gun in his hand.
Wilder tried to claim that she had attempted to commit suicide. The son was able to disarm Wilder and lock him outside while calling 911. Officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded and transported the victim to the hospital, where she received medical treatment and survived.
During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury heard testimony about years of emotional, verbal and physical abuse by Wilder that the victim had been subjected to. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Shea Umphrey and Ashley Indelicato.
“The victim and her son showed extreme bravery and strength through their testimony. It is because of the son’s quick actions and determination that she is alive today. Domestic
violence is unacceptable at any age,” Umphrey said. “We will continue to hold offenders accountable who try to bully, intimidate and harm others. We appreciate the care and dedication that our staff, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and EMS took with this case to help bring the defendant to justice.”
