Indiana Man, 77, Calls Police to Report Killing Wife, Mother-in-Law, Stepson, and Injuring Fourth Victim

Patrick Waite, 77, dialed 911 to report a horrific crime he had just committed, stating, “I shot them all.” This unsettling confession followed the alleged shooting of his wife, mother-in-law, and two stepsons in their Haubstadt home.

Facing three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, Waite is accused of methodically moving through the house, shooting each victim. His wife, Alma, aged 61, her mother Gloria Tapia, 81, and stepson Fernando Tapia Ramirez Sr., 39, were killed. Another stepson, Juan Tapia Ramirez, 44, was gravely injured.

After the shootings, Waite calmly informed the dispatcher about the situation and indicated where police could find the .45-caliber Smith & Wesson used in the attack. “I’m certainly not proud of that fact,” he reportedly told authorities.

“There have been multiple individuals shot at this time,” a 911 operator communicated to responding officers. “I believe it’s four individuals. This is still an active situation. We are talking to the shooter now.”

In a chilling detail, Waite rushed to end the call so he could inform his children about the incident before law enforcement arrived. He surrendered without resistance.

Four other individuals were present in the home during the shooting but escaped unharmed, including a child. Earlier that day, Waite had gone outside to shoot a watersnake on his property. Upon returning home with his gun tucked in his back pocket, an argument with Alma reignited.

The couple had been experiencing ongoing disputes, particularly regarding Waite’s attendance at Bible study and his care for his bedridden mother-in-law. Tensions escalated when Alma allegedly informed him that she had filed a quitclaim deed transferring ownership of their home to her daughter.

Waite claimed he refused to leave the house where he had lived for 27 years. This confrontation culminated in violence as he began shooting.

“I’m as guilty as guilty can be,” he reportedly told investigators, acknowledging the gravity of his actions.

Veronica Valenzuela, a cousin of the victims, expressed her shock at the events. She described Waite as previously kind and attentive during a recent family visit. “He catered to us,” she recalled. “He wouldn’t let us get up to get a cup of coffee.”

Valenzuela noted that Gloria was in her medical bed recovering from a stroke when she was shot. The surviving stepson, Juan Ramirez, remains in critical condition and sedated.

A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist with funeral expenses. Waite made his initial court appearance via video from Gibson County jail and is being held without bond. He has no prior criminal record in Indiana and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorney has declined to comment on the case.