Former Olympian David Laut's Wife Convicted of Murdering Him

The wife of David Laut—who won a bronze medal in shot put at the 1984 Olympics—was reportedly found guilty on Wednesday of murdering him.

The Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com) noted Laut’s wife, Jane, said she shot him in self defense “following years of abuse.” The Associated Press, which cited the Ventura County Star's coverage of the trial, said 58-year-old Jane Laut “was convicted of first-degree murder of [David] Laut and could face 50 years to life in prison.”

According to the Associated Press, Jane Laut’s lawyer, Ron Bemieh, and the defense said the shooting was done in self defense on the same night David threatened her and their son with a gun and hit her head. Jane Laut herself testified in the trial and said she shot David Laut while struggling with him for the gun.

Kathleen Wilson of the Ventura County Star shared a response from a family member:

As for the prosecution, they “said [David] Laut was shot six times, including in the back of the head.” The argument was made she “had to cock the single-action gun before each shot,” per the Associated Press.

The prosecution also argued Jane Laut would receive $300,000 in insurance money after his death and was dishonest with the police about what happened.

David Laut was shot to death on Aug. 27, 2009. He and his wife were high school sweethearts and married for 29 years before the incident, per the Associated Press.