MANATEE -- A Bradenton man was charged Tuesday with killing his wife in their Bayshore Gardens home.
Nicholas Hartmann, 39, was arrested and charged with murder after he arrived home while deputies were investigating Alisa June Hartmann's death.
The 38-year-old's body was found by an acquaintance who was dropping off her children at the victim's home in the 2100 block of Harvard Avenue, said Dave Bristow, sheriff's office spokesman. When no one answered the door, the acquaintance entered the home, found Hartmann's body in one of the bedrooms and called 911.
Deputies responded to the call at about 11:45 a.m. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
While the sheriff's office investigated, neighbors said Nicholas Hartmann recklessly drove his truck down the street and parked in front of the house.
"He actually was drinking a beer," Bristow said. "We don't know if he was intoxicated or not, but he was upset obviously, and just made some spontaneous statements. And we immediately at that time took him into custody because we had probable cause."
Bristow said detectives will continue questioning Hartmann to determine what may have led to his wife's death.
"He will be charged with homicide and we're treating it as a murder now," Bristow said.
Evidence from the crime scene will also be processed, he said.
Neighbors stood by in shock, some crying, as they learned of the woman's death. Many were questioned by deputies.
"I don't know what was running through his mind," said neighbor Merle Davis. "He's got the kids. I just can't believe something like this would happen this close."
Neighbors said the couple always appeared friendly. And while the family may have had disagreements, it was never anything out of the ordinary.
Bristow said a preliminary check reported no previous calls at the address.
"We go on dozens of domestics each week," Bristow said. "Fortunately, hardly any of them end up like this. Every now and then we have a domestic homicide. It's tragic."
Although he confirmed "there is some trauma to the body," Bristow said the cause of death would not be released until an autopsy is completed.
The couple have two children who are now under the care of child protective services.
Hartmann has no other felonies on his record, according to court records. He was set to make his first court appearance this morning. .
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