BOWIE, MD – A Bowie woman faces murder charges after authorities say she shot and killed her husband during an argument early Friday, following accusations of infidelity.
Nicole Ward, 50, was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder after police responded to a call at the couple’s home on Old Chapel Road around 1:45 a.m. There, officers discovered Damian Ward, 53, with a single gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the altercation began when Nicole Ward confronted her husband with evidence she allegedly found on a secondary phone. According to charging documents, she told law enforcement that the phone contained messages and images suggesting Damian was involved in an affair.
The confrontation reportedly escalated after Nicole Ward demanded that her husband leave their home. Police allege the dispute turned violent, culminating in Nicole Ward firing a .357 S&B Magnum revolver.
Authorities indicated the shooting appeared to be the result of a domestic dispute that spiraled out of control. Details regarding Damian Ward’s response to the accusations have not been made public.
Nicole Ward was taken into custody without incident and, as of Wednesday, remained held without bond at the county’s Department of Corrections. Online court records show several charges, including murder and related offenses.
The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed the arrest and continues to investigate the shooting. Authorities have not released further information regarding the timeline of events leading up to the shooting or whether anyone else witnessed the incident.
Neighbors in the typically quiet residential community expressed shock upon learning of the fatal encounter.
Bowie, located about 30 miles southwest of Baltimore, has not seen a comparable incident in recent months.
Nicole Ward’s next court appearance has yet to be scheduled. Police urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward as the investigation proceeds.