Illinois Woman Who Claimed Self-Defense After Shooting Boyfriend Arrested For Murder, Police Say

A woman in Illinois who fatally shooting her boyfriend last spring at the home they shared has been arrested and indicted on a first-degree murder charge.

Officers in Salem took Christina Bartley, 29, into custody on a warrant the evening of Oct. 3, Southern Illinois Now reported.

According to police, detectives launched an investigation and determined Bartley allegedly killed 31-year-old Wesley Bivens on April 15.

Deputy reports obtained by the radio station state that around 6:30 that evening, Bartley phoned 911 and reported she shot her boyfriend in self-defense after he hit her and was coming after her.

Responding officers found Bartley waiting outside. They located a handgun inside the home sitting on a counter and the victim lying dead on his back in the hallway, the report states.

Bartley was being held without bond at the Marion County jail.

She pleaded not guilty to the murder charge through her defense attorney.

Her trial is scheduled to begin in January.