Disturbing Crime in Sumter as Husband Confesses to Killing Wife
In a disturbing event that has shaken the Sumter community, a man voluntarily turned himself into local authorities confessing to the murder of his wife. The individual, identified as 61-year-old Freddie Samuel Falls, is reported to have called Sumter County Dispatch early on Sunday, May 26, 2024, stating that he fatally shot his wife the previous night and urged the officers to respond without sirens.
The Call and Response
Mark Bordeaux, a public information officer for the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the call came in at around 6:28 in the morning. On responding to Falls’ residence on North Saint Pauls Church Road, the first responding deputy found him sitting quietly on his porch. Upon their arrival, additional deputies promptly detained Falls.
Gruesome Discovery
Upon entering the house, investigators made a grim discovery. The victim, confirmed to be Falls’ wife, was found lying on the floor with a fatal gunshot wound. Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker further identified the victim as 61-year-old Joan Lynn Mogensen, originally from Tennessee, who had relocated to Sumter. She was declared dead at the scene.
Evidence and Arrest
Bordeaux disclosed that evidence, including two firearms, were collected from the scene. To ascertain if one of the weapons was used in the crime, investigators are currently examining both firearms alongside other evidence from the scene. Falls confessed to the deputies present that he killed his wife, subsequently leading to his arrest. He has since been charged for murder and possession of a weapon during the execution of a violent crime.
The Legal Aftermath
Following his arrest, Falls was transported to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. He remains in custody having been denied bond. Officer Bordeaux stated that Falls does not possess any prior criminal record, and the motive behind his gruesome act remains to be established.
This shocking incident has drawn the attention of not just the local community, but a broader audience, reigniting discussions around the safe handling of firearms and domestic violence. As the investigation deepens, this case continues to unfold and holds a stark reminder of the danger quietly harbored in some homes.
Significantly Shaking The Sumter Community
The distressing event has left a lasting mark on the community in Sumter. Friends and neighbors of the couple have expressed their shock and sadness, struggling to reconcile the horrifying act with the man they thought they knew. The case continues to develop as more information becomes available, leaving the community in anticipation for the justice that needs to be served.
