On April 24, 2026, Baltimore County Police responded to a reported shooting at a home in Nottingham, Maryland. They found 73-year-old Shirley Waclawski and her 80-year-old husband Paul Waclawski dead from gunshot wounds. Paul had called 911 stating he had shot his wife before the call disconnected. Police are investigating the case as a murder-suicide in a domestic-related incident. Neighbors described the couple as kind and well-known in the community, with Paul having medical issues cared for by Shirley.
Country: United States
State/Province: Maryland, United States
City/Region: Nottingham
Incident Type: Murder-Suicide
Relationship Status: Married
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Incident Date: April 24, 2026
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How the relationship or connection began.
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2026-04-24
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English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Wife, husband dead after murder-suicide in Nottingham, police say
Domestic Violence
The incident involves a murder-suicide within a married couple, indicating a domestic violence pattern. The husband shot his wife and then died, consistent with a domestic-related conflict escalating to lethal violence. The couple was long-term residents and known in the community, with the wife caring for the husband's medical issues, suggesting possible stressors related to health and caregiving.
Police responded promptly to the 911 call and found both victims deceased. The investigation is treating the case as a murder-suicide with no active threat to the community. Autopsies were scheduled at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Neighbors provided background on the couple's long-term residence and community involvement. No further suspects reported.
There is minor discrepancy in the husband's age (80 vs 83) between sources. No confusion reported regarding suspect identity or incident nature. The murder-suicide conclusion is supported by the 911 call and police findings.
On April 24, 2026, Paul Waclawski called 911 stating he had shot his wife Shirley before the call disconnected. Police arrived at their Nottingham home and found both deceased from gunshot wounds. Shirley had been caring for Paul's medical issues. The incident is classified as a domestic-related murder-suicide. Neighbors described the couple as kind and longstanding community members.
The presence of firearm access, a 911 call by the husband admitting to shooting his wife, and the domestic context indicate a high risk of lethal violence in this case. The husband's medical problems and caregiving dynamics may have contributed to stress and instability.
Early recognition of domestic conflict and firearm access is critical. Caregiving stress and medical issues may escalate risk. Prompt emergency response and community awareness are important. The case underscores the lethal potential of domestic violence in elderly couples.
The husband's 911 call admitting to shooting his wife was the critical early signal.
The 911 call, gunshot wounds found on both victims, and the domestic relationship were key clues connecting the case.
911 call recording and physical evidence of gunshot wounds were strongest evidence.
Neighbors reported the couple as kind, longstanding residents, and noted the husband's medical problems and wife's caregiving role. No direct eyewitnesses to the shooting reported.
No follow-up reports available beyond initial investigation and autopsy scheduling.
Exact motive details and relationship duration remain unclear. No information on prior domestic violence or mental health history.