Police say that a New Jersey woman is currently being held in custody after she killed and shot her husband at Christmas.
The Township of Hamilton Police Department received a report about “an injured male” shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday. It was located in Mays Landing (unincorporated Hamilton Township), about half an hour northwest of Atlantic City. According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, David Wigglesworth (57) was in serious medical distress from a gunshot wound. Wigglesworth was later declared dead on the spot.
The police also arrested Marylue Wigglesworth (51) and charged her with her husband’s murder. She was booked at the Atlantic County Justice Facility. It is not clear if she has any criminal records and if she is being represented by counsel.
Investigators identified Marylue Wigglesworth immediately as a suspect in the death of her husband, but they have not revealed a motive. Friends of the couple expressed shock at the shooting and arrest.
One family friend posted the following on Facebook: “I can’t believe it!” “Our hearts are broken.” “We have known Mary and Dave for many years.” “This just cannot be true.” “All prayers are welcome.”
David “Wiggy” Wigglesworth was a high-profile member of his community. He was close friends with Hamilton Township Mayor Charles Cain and was the best man at his wedding. The mayor has acknowledged his friendship with Wigglesworth but declined to issue a statement after his passing, Law & Crime claims.
Wigglesworth was also involved in local politics. Wigglesworth was a member of the township planning commission and ran a failed campaign for Hamilton Township Committee in 2019. A local Republican group expressed condolences via Facebook on Tuesday — but did not mention Mrs. Wigglesworth.
The post states, “Our hearts are heavy with David Wigglesworth’s loss.” He was a loyal member of the party who worked tirelessly to support many Republican candidates over the years, including his. We offer our condolences to his family and son.
According to reports Wigglesworth was proudly a trade unionist and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351. Wigglesworth also served as a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.
