Woman charged in shooting death of former Mountain Home resident

A well-known former Mountain Home man was shot and killed during a domestic dispute at his home in Caldwell last week.

Samuel "Buford" Ireland, 34, died of his injuries on Saturday.

His wife, Paige A. Ireland, 41, was initially charged with felony aggravated battery and use of a firearm during a felony. Her bond initially was set at $500,000 after she allegedly acknowledged shooting her husband during an argument at their home on Feb. 10. Additional charges, the death of her husband, are under review by the Canyon County prosecuting attorney.

A private family burial for Buford Ireland was held this week at Mountain View Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Mountain Home Elks Lodge. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. Donations in Buford's memory can be sent to 196 NE Ake Dr., Mountain Home, ID 83647. All donations will be put in a college fund for his children.

The Associated Press reported that court records said Paige Ireland told investigators that she and her husband were arguing Sunday and she decided to leave the house. She allegedly told investigators she grabbed a rifle because she wanted her husband to leave her alone.

The court records say she didn't believe the gun was loaded, but her husband yelled at her to shoot. So she pointed it at him and squeezed the trigger, hoping to scare him with the "trigger click sound." The gun fired, however.

She called 911. Her husband was transported to the hospital where he later died. She was arrested after authorities arrived. The couple's children were subsequently placed in the custody of family members.