Prosecutor: Wife of slain Olympic shot putter to face murder, firearms charges in California

DA: Wife of slain Olympian to face murder charge

OXNARD, Calif. — A prosecutor says he intends to file murder and firearms charges against the widow of an Olympic shot put medalist who was gunned down in his Southern California back yard.

Jane Laut was arrested Saturday by Oxnard police and is being held on $3 million bail. The 52-year-old woman is expected to appear in court Tuesday in connection with the slaying.

Lead prosecutor Bill Haney tells the Ventura County Star he intends to file murder and firearms against Laut in Ventura County Superior Court.

Dave Laut, a shot-putter who won a bronze medal in the 1984 Olympics, was killed on Aug. 27.

Jane Laut’s attorney Ron Bamieh says Dave Laut abused his wife and she was acting in self-defense.

Bamieh says his client will plead not guilty and seek lower bail.

Information from: Ventura County Star, venturacountystar.com