Arizona Man Gets Probation for Wife's 'Mercy Killing' An elderly man who admitted to the mercy killing of his ailing wife was sentenced today to two years' probation 86 year old George -- -- shot is 81 year old wife with his high school sweetheart. In the head back in November in their retirement community near Phoenix Sanders says his wife who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1969. Begged him to end her life. He was racially charged with first degree murder but reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. After an emotional hearing in which families spoke on his behalf the judge issued the probation sentence instead of the maximum twelve year prison sentence.