A Florida man faces significant charges for allegedly shooting his ex-wife and attempting to blame her for the crime.
Jonathan William Erdman Frenk, 62, was arrested over the weekend and charged with attempted criminal murder and aggravated violence of a pregnant person.
Police in Apopka, Florida, responded to an emergency call on Saturday afternoon. Officers arrived at the home and discovered Frenk exiting with his hands raised. According to reports, he told police that the woman inside had been shot in the leg and that she may have wounded herself due to drug use.
Inside the house, cops discovered the victim screaming in pain while sitting in a chair. A firearm had been placed on a nearby suitcase. Initially, the injured woman reportedly informed paramedics that she had shot herself.
However, during transport to the hospital, her story changed. She later told authorities that Frenk was the one who pulled the trigger. According to the police affidavit, the woman revealed that an argument between her and Frenk quickly escalated, leading to violence.
Related: Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Alleged Threats, Police Say Potential Serial Killer Stopped
“He threatened me, saying, ‘I’m going to kill you,’ before grabbing a gun and shooting me,” the victim alleged in her statement. She also admitted to initially claiming self-harm to prevent Frenk from attacking her again.
Frenk’s attorney has refuted the charges, arguing that the police theory makes little sense.
“The idea that this was an attempted murder is absurd,” the defense stated in court filings. “The weapon in question is a Glock .40 caliber with a 15-round capacity. If the intent was murder, why would he shoot her once, call 911, and then tend to her injuries instead of firing multiple rounds?”
Despite this argument, investigators are standing by the victim’s account of events. Court records also indicate that the woman had a court-ordered injunction against contacting Frenk or visiting his residence at the time of the incident.
Currently, Frenk remains in custody at the Orange County Jail without bond. The case is ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected in the coming weeks. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Also Read: Florida Man Arrested After Two Severed Cat Heads Found in Mailbox
