Man, 76, Pleads Innocent in Death of Ailing Spouse

HEBRON, Neb. —  A 76-year-old man accused of shooting his terminally ill wife in the head in her hospital bed pleaded not guilty Thursday to first-degree murder.

A trial date of Feb. 8 was set for Vernal “Bob” Ohlrich. He was released on $35,000 bond.

“We’re happy he’s been released,” said Ohlrich’s son, Mike. “And we’re just taking one day at a time.”

Ohlrich had been jailed since the shooting Oct. 27 of his wife, Phyllis, 74, who had been fighting a painful battle with colon cancer.

Ohlrich had admitted to the hospital shooting and asked to be locked up, court records said.

Prosecutor Dan Werner said there have been no discussions of reducing the charge. “The investigation shows that the murder was planned ahead of time and that there is reason to believe Ohlrich may be a threat to himself and others.”