Plains woman accused of shooting husband

Details are still emerging regarding a domestic dispute that involved Plains resident Gail Helen Eldridge and her husband, Scott, whom she stands accused of shooting.

The Eldridges are residents of Plains but spend the winter in Wellton, Ariz.

A criminal complaint was filed in Wellton Justice Court Friday against Eldridge who allegedly shot her husband earlier this week during a heated argument.

Eldridge, 58, was arraigned in Wellton Justice Court before Justice of the Peace M. Russ Jones, who informed her during a brief court hearing that the Yuma County Attorney’s Office was charging her with attempted 1st-degree murder per domestic violence and two felony counts of aggravated assault per domestic violence.

In addition to setting her bond at $1 million,, Jones also scheduled Eldridge’s next court date — a preliminary hearing — for 4 p.m. on March 4.

On Tuesday at about 6:15 p.m., Wellton officers responded to 28585 E. County 11th St., Space 115, Wellton, Ariz. Once on scene they found 49-year-old Scott Eldridge, who had been shot once in the chest with a .38-caliber revolver. Also at the residence was Gail Eldridge, the man’s wife. She was uninjured.

Even though the investigation is still ongoing, Wellton police believe that the information they have gathered so far strongly indicates the shooting was domestic-violence related.

Scott Eldridge was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center by Tri-Valley and immediately taken into surgery. He is in stable condition and expected to survive.

Gale Eldridge made her initial appearance in Wellton Justice Court on Wednesday. Also responding to Tuesday night’s call were the Wellton Fire Department, Tri-Valley Ambulance and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.

*Valley Press reporter Justyna Tomtas also contributed to this article.