GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – Authorities have released new and disturbing details surrounding a triple homicide that occurred on May 29 at a home in Haubstadt, Indiana. According to a recently filed affidavit, 77-year-old Patrick Waite has been charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder following a shooting that claimed the lives of his wife, her mother, and her son, and left a second son critically injured.
Deputies responded to the scene on South Scottsdale Drive just before noon on May 29, where they discovered four individuals had been shot inside the residence. Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth was flown to an area hospital in critical condition.
The victims have been identified as 61-year-old Alma Waite, Waite’s wife; 81-year-old Gloria Tapia, Alma’s mother; and 39-year-old Fernando Tapia Ramirez Sr., Alma’s son. The surviving victim, 44-year-old Juan Tapia Ramirez Jr., also Alma’s son, sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and chest and was airlifted for emergency medical treatment.
According to investigators, Patrick Waite called 911 following the shooting and turned himself in, reportedly admitting to being the gunman. In a recorded interview with law enforcement, Waite detailed the events leading up to the incident, stating that tensions in the household had been escalating amid discussions of separation between him and Alma. The couple had been married for roughly two years.
Waite told investigators that on the morning of the shooting, he had used a handgun to shoot a water snake on the property. Upon returning to the house, he was confronted by Alma, who was upset that he had chosen to attend Bible study instead of staying home to help care for her mother, Gloria, who was bedridden and required supervision.
According to the affidavit, the confrontation escalated when Alma allegedly informed Waite that she had filed a quitclaim deed to transfer the home to someone else’s name and told him he needed to leave. Waite claimed he refused, citing his long-term residency at the house, which he said spanned 27 years.
It was at that point, investigators say, that Waite admitted to shooting Alma. He then walked into the den and opened fire on Gloria, who was in a medical bed, and on both of Alma’s sons. Waite allegedly told police he could hear them saying something to him, but did not recall how many times he fired.
Police found Alma deceased in the kitchen. Gloria and Fernando were found dead in the den. Juan was discovered alive but seriously wounded.
“I’m as guilty as guilty can be,” Waite told authorities, according to the affidavit. “I shot them all. I’m certainly not proud of that fact at all.” He also expressed remorse, saying he believed God would never forgive him.
Waite appeared in Gibson Superior Court on Monday for an initial hearing and is currently being held without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for late July.
Local officials say the investigation is ongoing, and the community has been left in shock by the violence. Support services are being made available to family members and neighbors affected by the tragedy.
