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A Hays County jury sentenced a 73-year-old man to 25 years in prison after convicting him of aggravated assault against a family member, the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s office announced.
Rodger Wilder was sentenced March 5 following a trial that detailed a December 2024 attack on his wife of 44 years. According to prosecutors, the two were engaged in a verbal argument when Wilder strangled her and then shot her four times with a .40 caliber handgun at close range. She was struck in the hip and abdomen and was transported to a hospital, where she survived.
The couple’s son heard the gunshots and came downstairs to find Wilder standing over his mother with the weapon in his hand. He disarmed his father, locked him outside and called 911.
Wilder claimed his wife had attempted to commit suicide. The jury rejected that account.
During the punishment phase of the trial, jurors heard testimony about a pattern of emotional, verbal and physical abuse Wilder had subjected his wife to over the years.
Assistant District Attorney Shea Umphrey, who prosecuted the case alongside ADA Ashley Indelicato, praised the family’s courage in coming forward.
“The victim and her son showed extreme bravery and strength through their testimony,” Umphrey said. “It is because of the son’s quick actions and determination that she is alive today. Domestic violence is unacceptable at any age. We will continue to hold offenders accountable who try to bully, intimidate, and harm others.”
Umphrey also thanked the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and EMS for their work on the case.
