Ex-Wisconsin Energy CEO accused of trying to kill wife

By: Associated Press//July 8, 2011//

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WEST BEND, Wis. (AP) — A retired chairman and CEO of Wisconsin Energy Corp. has been charged with trying to kill his wife at their home in Washington County.

According to a criminal complaint, Charles McNeer hit his wife on the back of the head with a hammer before trying to kill himself. Bail was set at $100,000 Thursday in Washington County Circuit Court. A mental competency exam has been ordered for the 85-year-old McNeer, who was taken to the Mendota Mental Health Institute.

The complaint says Ann McNeer regained consciousness after the assault last month and called 911. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports McNeer told a relative he attempted to kill his wife because his health was failing and he didn’t think she could live without him.

McNeer served as Wisconsin Energy’s chief executive from 1975 to 1991.

Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com

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