Former Bradenton Police Officer Charged with Murder in Wife's Death

A West Bradenton man was charged with murder Monday night, after deputies were called out to his home in the 2300 block of 45th Court West, where his wife had been shot and killed.

Thomas P. Fleming, 68, was standing outside of the house at 7 p.m. when deputies arrived, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's report. When deputies searched the house they found Claire Fleming, 67, dead from a gunshot wound.

The Bradenton Herald reported that Fleming is a former Bradenton police officer. The Herald-Tribune reported that Fleming told deputies they should "just kill him."

Fleming was a police officer in Bradenton from 1967 until he retired in 1985, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

Fleming had been talking to a neighbor, who called 911 after the shooting. The sheriff's office is continuing the investigation and reported that there is not a clear motive at this time.