A man from the USA has been charged with murder after he fatally shot his wife in their home in front of their children and then called the cops himself.

Derik Thomas Trocke, 39, received charges for first-degree murder after he reportedly shot his wife Annalene Julia Trocke, 39, in the town of Mooresville, in Iredell County, North Carolina, USA.

The incident reportedly happened in their home at 77 Laurel Glen Drin the Cherry Grove Subdivision at around 5.15pm on Sunday, 15th January, in front of the couple’s four children.

Following the incident, Trocke reportedly called the cops himself.

Mooresville Police Department (MPD) said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: “The caller advised telecommunicators that he had shot his wife.

“MPD officers arrived at the residence and located 39-year-old Annalene Julia Trocke inside the residence, deceased from a gunshot wound.”

She was pronounced dead at the scene by the detectives, after which they initiated an immediate investigation into the incident.

The department said: “As a result of evidence collected during the investigation and from interviewing the suspect, detectives charged 39-year-old Derik Thomas Trocke of 177 Laurel Glenn Dr in Mooresville with First Degree Murder.”

Neighbours revealed they were surprised by the shooting, since the area was known to be a nice suburban neighbourhood.

Luke Michelson said: “No matter where you live, I think it’s shocking to realize that bad things can happen anywhere.”

Following his arrest, the 39-year-old man was detained in the Iredell County Detention Center with no bond.

Their children are currently being taken care of by a family relative.

Michelson said: “I don’t know how you prepare for or help in a situation where someone loses their mom… maybe in front of them.”

It was not revealed what made Trocke fire his weapon, or why he possessed it.

Mooresville police did not provide further information concerning the crime, but are currently investigating the case.