Hillsdale Co. man accused of trying to kill his wife

11/11/2008

COLDWATER, Mich. - A Hillsdale County man accused of trying to kill his wife Saturday in their Chicago Road house was arraigned yesterday in Hillsdale County District Court, authorities said.

Robert Motsinger, 45, of 10080 Chicago, was charged with assault with intent to commit murder, discharging a firearm in an occupied dwelling, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and domestic violence, troopers at the Jonesville post of the Michigan State Police said.

Mr. Motsinger was being held without bond in the county jail.

Mr. Motsinger and his wife, Kari Motsinger, 52, were arguing in their house about 5:30 p.m. Saturday when Mr. Motsinger pointed a rifle at his wife, troopers said.

She grabbed the barrel and held it away from her as Mr. Motsinger shot six rounds.

She gained control of the gun after he stopped shooting, troopers said.

Mr. Motsinger then went out to his garage and retrieved a shotgun, but Mrs. Motsinger was able to wrestle the gun away from her husband before he fled, troopers said.

He was arrested about 11 miles away in Coldwater, troopers said.