LEAGUE CITY — A Galveston County jury has sentenced a League City man to life in prison for the killing of his wife, concluding a case that centered on allegations of long-term domestic abuse and a fatal incident in September 2024.

Charles Kermit McCoy was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Susan “Shaun” McCoy, who was living with dementia at the time. Jurors returned a guilty verdict after less than two hours of deliberation. Following a separate punishment phase, the jury sentenced McCoy to life in prison.

The case began when authorities responded to a home in the 100 block of Crescent Bay Drive, where the couple was in the process of being evicted. A deputy investigator attempting to serve a writ of possession received no response at the door. Deputies forced entry and found Shaun McCoy on the bedroom floor with fatal injuries. McCoy was found nearby with self-inflicted wounds.

McCoy was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital by League City Fire Department personnel. League City Police later assumed the investigation, which resulted in McCoy being indicted on a murder charge.

During the trial, prosecutors Kate Willis, chief of the Violence Against Women Unit, and Assistant District Attorney Kyle Vance presented testimony from law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Love and League City Police Officers Robby Henson and James Winston described the conditions they observed inside the home.

Prosecutors introduced crime scene photographs depicting injuries to Shaun McCoy’s neck. Testimony indicated McCoy was found bleeding and holding a knife near his wife.

Neighbors and the couple’s son also testified. Witnesses described McCoy as controlling and frequently intoxicated. Neighbors said they had observed Shaun McCoy with visible injuries, including bruising, while she was experiencing early-onset dementia. The couple’s son testified that the abuse had occurred over several years.

Medical examiner Dr. Monica Patel testified that Shaun McCoy suffered a severe neck wound and blunt force trauma to her head and body. Based on the nature and extent of those injuries, Patel concluded the manner of death was homicide.

McCoy testified in his own defense, stating that his wife caused the fatal injuries during a dementia-related episode while he was showering, and that he later attempted to take his own life. Prosecutors questioned McCoy about inconsistencies in his account and asked him to explain the injuries described by the medical examiner.

In closing arguments, prosecutors argued the evidence showed a pattern of domestic violence that resulted in Shaun McCoy’s death. Defense attorneys urged jurors to consider McCoy’s personal circumstances and argued his life had already been significantly impacted.

The jury rejected the defense arguments. During the punishment phase, prosecutors emphasized the severity of the offense and argued McCoy showed little remorse. After deliberating for about two hours, the jury sentenced McCoy to life in prison.