Northwest Bradenton Man Dies in Front Yard, Ex-wife Charged

A 49-year-old woman was charged with murder after deputies say she shot her ex-husband moments after authorities left the couple's house.

Ernie R. Crane, 56, died in the front yard of his northwest Bradenton home as a sheriff's deputy tried to help him.  Robin Crane, who was living with her ex-husband, was arrested at the scene.

A deputy had gone to the house in the 700 block of 86th Street Court Northwest after a domestic disturbance call, according to a sheriff's report.

The deputy responded to the call at about 8:30 p.m. and conducted an investigation. After determining that no crime had occurred the deputy provided the couple with informational material on domestic violence.

After driving away from the house, the sheriff's report shows that the deputy turned around to go back to the house when he saw Ernie Crane waving his hands and yelling that his wife shot him. Crane collapsed about 20-feet from the front door, reports show.

The deputy tried to keep him alive until Emergency Medical Services arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene. 

Detectives later learned that the couple was divorced but still living together.