N.C. Murder Suspect Blames Diabetes
A man accused of killing his wife says his blood sugar was low, and he can't remember.
LENOIR, N.C. --
A man accused of killing his wife in Caldwell County is blaming a medical condition for his inability to remember the crime.
Larry Peck, 68, appeared in court in Lenoir early Monday after being charged with first-degree murder in his wife's shooting death over the weekend.
Deputies said Glenda Peck called 911 and said her husband was having a medical problem and was becoming violent.
When authorities arrived at the home south of Lenoir, they found her shot to death and said Larry Peck was hiding in a closet.
"I don't remember doing anything,” Peck said as he was led into court.
Eyewitness News reporter Dave Faherty asked Peck, “Why did this happen?”
“Because my sugar went down to below 30 and you go into diabetic shock or something,” Peck said.
As he left court, Peck elaborated on his struggle with diabetes.
"When your sugar gets that low, your brain just goes wacko, and it’s happened a few times," he said.
Peck also said he loves his wife, and if he’s responsible, he’s sorry.
Although deputies said they’d had no reports of domestic problems at the home in the past, Caldwell County Emergency Services said they’ve responded three times to diabetic problems involving Larry Peck since July 2008.
Twice Peck was hospitalized for his condition.
Neighbors said they too heard of Peck's problems with low blood sugar.
"He had a problem with his sugar level dropping, becoming a problem, and (there was) a small accident," one said.
Paramedic Kenneth Teague, who has responded to hundreds of diabetic calls, said he can't talk about what happened at the Peck home, but he knows firsthand things can get out of control.
"We see bizarre and erratic behavior because the blood cells are not getting to the brain like they should, and these people are not acting normally," Teague said.
Sheriff’s deputies aren't commenting about the diabetic defense, but attorneys told Eyewitness News it is a valid defense that has been used in the past.
Peck asked for a court-appointed attorney on Monday. He’s being held without bond and will be back in court in early December.
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