MISSOULA- The wife of a wounded Montana Highway Patrol trooper provided more information Wednesday about her husband’s condition.
Lindsey Palmer said her husband, Wade Palmer, remains in critical condition at a hospital in Salt Lake City.
“Trooper Palmer was shot three times in the head, face and neck. He is stable but his condition is still considered extremely critical,” she said in the statement released by the Montana Department of Justice. “He remains in a medically induced coma at a Utah hospital. He has not regained consciousness since the shooting on Friday. Due to the nature and extent of his injuries, it may be some time before we know more about his prognosis. The family asks for the public’s patience and for their understanding that updates will not necessarily be available on a daily basis. We will keep everyone updated as appropriate via the Highway Patrol and Department of Justice. We remain cautiously optimistic that Wade will continue to see steady improvements. We recognize, however, that the overall understanding of these improvements and what they mean in the long run is still evolving and unknown at this time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers for Wade and for us.”
RELATED: Montana Highway Patrol trooper was shot in head, remains in critical but stable condition
The statement included a request from Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler:
“There have been some false rumors circulating about Trooper Palmer’s condition,” Butler said. “While we understand that the chatter can arise from a place of genuine concern and goodwill, please understand that when Wade’s friends and relatives see misinformation posted about his condition, it is very upsetting, especially when they have to take the time and energy to dispel the rumors. With that in mind, please do not circulate or repeat a rumor or information about Trooper Palmer unless it has been verified by the Montana Highway Patrol or Department of Justice.”
Butler added: “The Highway Patrol has been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement seen in recent days. It is clear the silent majority supports their law enforcement officers. Please continue to keep Trooper Palmer and the Missoula shooting victims in your thoughts and prayers.”
Wade's fellow troopers put their badges together today in Missoula in a show of support.
Posted by Montana Highway Patrol on Monday, March 18, 2019
Palmer, 35, was shot by Johnathan Bertsch early Friday morning, prosecutors say. Bertsch is facing one count of deliberate homicide for the death of Shelley Hayes and three counts of attempted deliberate homicide for shooting Palmer and two others.
Bertsch’s bond was set at $2 million Monday.
