An elderly Northport man charged with fatally shooting his ailing wife may have felt overwhelmed by being her caregiver, family told investigations.

Gerald Adams, 80, is charged in the slaying of 79-year-old Donna Adams, who was found dead at the couples’ home midday Sunday.

Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy said the husband contacted family and a friend and told them what he done. They then called 911.

Officers arrived at the home in the 3200 block of 28th Street in Northport Sunday at about 12 p.m.

Once on the scene, they found Donna Adams dead from a gunshot wound. Gerald Adams was still at the home and taken into custody.

There was no evidence of an argument prior to the shooting.

“It was found that the victim had been suffering from numerous medical issues for an extended period of time,’’ Kennedy said. “Family reported that the suspect may have felt overwhelmed by being the victim’s caregiver.”

Authorities said Gerald Adams declined to give a statement to police. He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on no bond under Aniah’s Law.

A hearing was held Monday, and Gerald Adams was granted a $75,000 bond. He has now been released from jail.

The next court date has not yet been set.