Wife Shoots Husband in the Back, Tells Police: ‘I Shouldn’t Have … But I’m Just Tired,’ Says DA

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A 40-year-old Alabama woman is behind bars and facing serious felony charges after she allegedly shot her husband in the back and made a disturbing admission to responding officers: “I shouldn’t have … but I’m just tired.” Prosecutors say the statement reflects emotional exhaustion amid ongoing domestic conflict, but it does not excuse the violent act.

According to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Latasha M. Daniels called 911 around 8:15 p.m. on June 3 after shooting her husband, Derrick Daniels, 44, inside their home in the Eastlake neighborhood of Birmingham. First responders arrived to find Derrick conscious but gravely wounded with a gunshot wound to his upper back. He was rushed to UAB Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition, according to hospital officials.

A Frustrated Confession

When officers questioned Latasha at the scene, she reportedly admitted to the shooting without resistance. Bodycam footage, according to the DA, captured her telling officers:

“I shouldn’t have done it… but I’m just tired. Tired of the arguing. Tired of feeling invisible.”

District Attorney Danny Carr said in a press briefing that while the motive appears to be rooted in escalating domestic issues, there’s no prior history of police involvement at the residence. “This wasn’t a case of sudden rage or self-defense. The evidence points to a premeditated decision made out of frustration and emotional burnout,” Carr said.

Charges and Custody

Latasha Daniels has been charged with:

• Attempted murder

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

• Endangering the welfare of a child, since the couple’s 11-year-old son was reportedly in another room at the time of the shooting

She is currently being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond, pending a psychological evaluation and preliminary court appearance next week.

A Family Torn Apart

Family members from both sides have expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. A cousin of the victim described the couple as “private” and said no one expected the situation to escalate to violence.

“The real tragedy is their son,” said neighbor and family friend Monica Bradley. “He saw the ambulance, the police, and now his parents are split by a gunshot. That’s something he’ll never forget.”

Domestic Strain and Mental Health

Experts say the case highlights the complex intersection of domestic stress, mental health, and access to firearms. Dr. Angela Brooks, a Birmingham-based clinical psychologist, notes that emotional burnout in long-term relationships is common, but violence is never a justifiable outlet. “This case is a warning sign. People need access to support before things spiral.”