A Macomb County man is heading to trial, accused of killing his wife while she was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher.
Prosecutors call it a failed murder-suicide.
Hal Byrom is charged with first degree premeditated murder, for the October 1, 2016 shooting of his wife Ebony.
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During Monday’s court appearance Ebony’s family members were brought to tears as the 911 call, documenting her last moments alive, was played to the public.
Investigators say it all happened around 1:00 a.m. at the family’s condo in the 16000 block of Country Ridge Lane.
Police say Ebony is heard telling her husband to leave.
Wife: "No. I want you to leave."
Husband: "No."
Wife: "No, you're going to leave."
Husband: "I'm not leaving."
Wife: "Yeah, you need to leave."
Husband: "No I'm not."
Wife: "Because I have a child here."
On the call she explains to the dispatcher why she wants her husband gone.
"We have had a dispute, he wants to get all his stuff and leave. It is the middle of the night, he can do this another time."
In court Byrom sat and listened intently as his wife requested the police, but stayed quiet and emotionless as gunshots and a scream ring out.
"You hear nine shots, rapid fire. And then less than a half second, a tenth shot, which he places into his own head,” said the Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor.
Byrom survived his gunshot injury.
Prosecutors say Ebony’s autopsy shows she was shot nine times. Police say they found her dead inside the home, with Byron sitting against a wall next to her.
The victim's teenage son from a previous relationship, was at home at the time. Police say he was awake in a different room, heard the shots and made a second call to 911.
He was uninjured.
During the court hearing the judge agreed this case will continue to trial. The next court date is scheduled for August.
