Updated 10/07/2005 08:06 AM
Victim's family supports suspect
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The family of a man whose wife was arrested for his murder announced Thursday they are standing by her.
Misty Witherspoon is accused of killing Quinn Witherspoon, a Concord police officer, with his own service weapon.
Officer Witherspoon was found dead in the couple’s Mooresville home on Sept. 13.
Initially Misty Witherspoon told police she dropped her husband’s gun and it fired. Officers said she later changed her story.
Bob Witherspoon, the victim's father, said he and his family believe his daughter-in-law.
The Witherspoon family, however, disagrees with the charges.
“I want everyone to know that Quinn’s family supports Misty 100 percent,” said Bob Witherspoon, the officer’s father. “We have not and will not waiver in our support of her. She maintains that this was an accident and we fully believe her regardless of what the police may think. We know her better than anyone else and we know that this was a tragic accident. Her love for Quinn was deep and without question, and our love and support of Misty is without question.”
Police won’t reveal a motive for the shooting.
Misty Witherspoon is being held in the Iredell County Jail under no bond. Department of Social Services workers are expected to place the couple’s three children with Quinn Witherspoon’s parents.