Self-Defense Claim Under Investigation in Fatal Shooting at Madison Apartment Complex

Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a self-defense claim in this morning’s fatal shooting of Alexia Stephens, 22, inside the apartment of her estranged wife at the Gibson Creek complex on E. Webster Street in Madison.

Officers responded to the apartment at 7:12 a.m. after the admitted shooter, Jack Wade, 21, called 911.

Detectives were told that Stephens and her estranged wife share a child together and that Stephens had moved out of the apartment a few days ago. The estranged wife said Stephens came to the front door this morning wanting to see the child and said that if she wasn’t let in, she would shoot through the door. The estranged wife said when she unlocked the door, Stephens came into the apartment, put her arm around her neck, and pointed her gun in the direction of Wade, who was there visiting. Wade said he shot Stephens with his pistol after she pointed her gun at him.

Stephens was transported to Skyline Medical Center where she died this afternoon.

Both the estranged wife and Wade cooperated with detectives and gave statements at police headquarters. No charges have been filed at present as the investigation continues. Detectives will staff their findings with the District Attorney’s Office.