BOWIE, MD – A woman from Bowie was arrested after authorities said she fatally shot her husband early Friday morning, following a heated dispute that began over accusations of infidelity.

Prince George’s County Police responded to a residence on the 13200 block of Old Chapel Road around 1:45 a.m. on July 19. Responding officers found Damian Ward, 53, inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Investigators allege that Nicole Ward, 50, confronted her husband after she discovered photographs and messages she believed revealed he was involved in an extramarital affair. Charging documents indicate the argument escalated after Nicole Ward demanded that her husband leave the home.

The dispute turned violent, according to police, when Nicole Ward retrieved a .357 S&B Magnum revolver and shot her husband during the altercation. Authorities did not release details on whether the victim responded to the allegations before the shooting took place.

Nicole Ward was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with first- and second-degree murder as well as other related offenses. According to court records, she is currently being held without bond in the county’s Department of Corrections.

Police have not shared additional information on the content of the alleged evidence Nicole Ward found or if there was prior history of domestic incidents at the home. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities said they are gathering further details to determine the full sequence of events that led to the shooting.

Neighbors described the incident as shocking, with some expressing disbelief that violence erupted in the suburban neighborhood. Police have also not indicated whether any other family members were present in the house when the incident occurred.

Officials said anyone with more information about the case is encouraged to contact Prince George’s County detectives as they work to piece together what happened in the hours and days leading up to the fatal encounter.

Bowie, where the shooting occurred, is located roughly 30 miles southwest of Baltimore. No attorney information for Nicole Ward was immediately available.