Herbert Nelson

Herbert Nelson, 70, was fatally shot in his home. About a month after the incident, his wife, Beverly Joann Nelson, 73, was charged with murder. Police said she shot her husband, then her son helped clean up the crime scene and misled officers. The family lived in the 5800 block of Pershing Avenue. Police said Beverly Nelson shot her husband on the couch after an argument. The couple’s son, 45-year-old William Nelson, met medics and officers outside the home when they showed up to check on a report of an unresponsive man. The son told them no one needed medical help. So the medics and police left, canceling the call as unfounded. Hours later, police were called back to the Nelsons’ home. They found Herbert Nelson shot dead. Beverly Nelson told officers she didn’t know her husband was dead, but William Nelson told police he saw his mother shoot his father, police said. He admitted lying to police and medics about the shooting in order protect his mother, St. Louis police Officer Erich vonNida said in court records.