HARTFORD, Wis. (WHBL) - A retired C-E-O of Wisconsin’s largest electric utility has been charged with trying to kill his wife. 85-year-old Charles McNeer of Hartford appeared in Washington County Circuit Court yesterday on a charge of attempted homicide. Prosecutors said McNeer hit his wife Ann in the head with a hammer in late June, before he tried to kill himself. He reportedly told a family member that his health was failing – and he tried killing his wife because he didn’t think she could live without him. Circuit Judge Todd Martens set a bond of 100-thousand dollars and ordered a mental exam for McNeer – who was the C-E-O of Wisconsin Energy from 1975-to-1991. The company said McNeer was among Milwaukee’s most influential civic leaders at the time, and he served with distinction during a 41-year career with We Energies. And utility spokesman Barry McNulty said its thoughts and prayers are with McNeer. His next court appearance is set for July 28th.
