By Lisa Pett

Larry Sanchez is being held over for trial.

Sanchez, 59, is the Bancroft man accused in the shooting death of his wife in June. He then held lay enforcement at bay during a standoff lasting several hours outside the couple’s home.

(Courtesy Portage Co. Jail)

During Monday’s preliminary hearing, Det. Jeff Coey described the .22-caliber pistol found beneath couch cushions in the home as well as blood evidence collected from the floors, walls and doorway. Bottles of alcohol were also found in the home.

Sanchez admitted to shooting his wife in interviews with police following his arrest. Blood samples taken from him immediately after determined his blood alcohol content was .24, indicating Sanchez was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.

Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman confirmed Lisa Sanchez was killed by a single gunshot wound to the neck, and that the bullet was recovered from her body.

Sanchez attempted suicide while in custody in the Portage County Jail. Another inmate is accused of assisting in the attempt, which occurred only days after his arrest.

Defense attorneys in the case raised the question of Sanchez’s competency to stand trial but a forensic psychologist found him competent and testified to the fact in an August 3rd hearing.

Sanchez will be arraigned on October 19.