51ºÚÁÏ

ST. LOUIS — A 73-year-old woman shot her husband to death inside their home, then their son helped clean up the crime scene and misled police, according to charges filed this week.

Beverly Joann Nelson was being held Thursday without bond at the 51ºÚÁÏ jail.

Prosecutors charged Nelson on Wednesday with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of her husband, Herbert Nelson. He was shot in the chest Aug. 20 at their home in the Skinker-DeBaliviere area.

Herbert Nelson was 70. The family lived in the 5800 block of Pershing Avenue. Police said Beverly Nelson shot her husband on the couch after an argument.

The couple’s son, 45-year-old William Nelson, met medics and officers outside the home when they showed up to check on a report of an unresponsive man.

The son told them no one needed medical help. So the medics and police left, canceling the call as unfounded.

Hours later, police were called back to the Nelsons’ home. They found Herbert Nelson shot dead.

Beverly Nelson told officers she didn’t know her husband was dead, but William Nelson told police he saw his mother shoot his father, police said. He admitted lying to police and medics about the shooting in order protect his mother, 51ºÚÁÏ police Officer Erich vonNida said in court records.

William Nelson was charged last Friday with hindering prosecution of a felony and tampering with evidence.

Court documents said Beverly Nelson has no criminal record. The son has convictions for assault, tampering with a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a weapon. He was released on his promise to show up in court.