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Last updated on Sunday, February 24, 2013
(KOKOMO) - A Howard County man is behind bars accused of assisting in his estranged wife’s suicide.
Nicholas Ellis, 34, is accused of tying a noose knot on a rope and telling his estranged wife, Jessica Ellis, 37, that it was there if she wanted to use it.
Jessica Ellis hung herself in December.
"I believe people are angry that it happened," Nicholas Ellis said. "I believe they think that I allowed it to happen, even though I wasn't even living at the home at the time that it happened."
According to the probable cause affidavit, Jessica told a friend that Nicholas had put a rope with a knot in the back of her Ford Bronco in case she needed to use it, and on the night before she committed suicide, he reminded her it was there.
Nicholas Ellis says there was a rope that was brought into the home one night during an argument. He put it in his work bag and then it was gone. Later in the interview, he said she took it from her car.
"Yes, I did put the rope in the car, but I put the rope in the car with intentions of keeping it from her, not to give it to her," Nicholas Ellis said.
Jessica's mother told investigators that her daughter had a history of mental health issues including attempted suicide for some time and tried to commit suicide before.
Nicholas said they were married for eight years.
"Honestly, I can't really answer your questions. I'm not too sure why they think I told her it was there and where it was and how to gain access to it," Nicholas Ellis said.
Jessica's family did not want to go on camera. They are still struggling with the tragedy. She left behind two children.
If convicted, Nicholas Ellis could face two to eight years in prison.
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