Second Degree Murder Trial Underway

The trial of a Burns man who is accused of second degree murder in connection with his wife's death last July got underway Wednesday in Laramie County District Court.

Authorities say Ronald Zimmerman, who was 61 at the time, shot his wife in the face with a shotgun at the home the couple shared in Burns and then called 911 to report the shooting.

Investigators say Zimmerman had a blood alcohol level of 0.186 when he was arrested. A BAC of 0.8 is considered legally drunk under Wyoming law. Defense attorneys also say he suffered a serious brain injury when he was younger.

Zimmerman could receive a  sentence of anywhere between 20 years in prison and life in prison if he is convicted of second degree murder.