A late-night domestic dispute in a quiet Idaho community has taken a shocking turn, leaving one man hospitalized and a 65-year-old woman behind bars after a shooting that, according to authorities, may have followed a heated and unusual exchange.

Police in Challis, Idaho, responded to a call just before midnight reporting a domestic violence incident involving a firearm. When deputies arrived at the home, they found a man outside on the back porch suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. Emergency responders quickly transported him for medical care.

What investigators say happened inside the home has raised eyebrows.

According to details reported in coverage of the case, the man told responding officers that he and the suspect, Diane Wetherbee, had been drinking and arguing prior to the shooting. During the dispute, he allegedly handed Wetherbee a .380 caliber pistol and told her to shoot him.

Authorities say Wetherbee then did exactly that.

The man claimed that after the shooting, Wetherbee went into a bedroom and fell asleep. Deputies later confirmed they found her asleep in an upstairs room when they arrived to investigate the incident.

Inside the home, officers reported finding significant evidence of the shooting, including the firearm on the bedroom floor near multiple pools of blood, as well as additional blood stains on nearby carpeting. A pair of bloody boots was also discovered near the back door, adding to the chaotic scene investigators encountered.

Another individual inside the home told deputies he heard a single gunshot, but did not witness the incident directly.

Wetherbee was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Custer County Jail. During the ride and later questioning, deputies say she admitted to shooting the man, with reports indicating she may have claimed to have fired more than once.

She has since been charged with felony aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon.

The case now moves into the legal system, where Wetherbee faces potentially serious consequences. If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison. Her bond has been set at $25,000, and she is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 30.

While the man’s condition has not been publicly detailed beyond the injury to his leg, the circumstances surrounding the shooting have drawn attention—particularly the claim that the victim allegedly encouraged the act during an argument.

Authorities have not indicated whether alcohol played a significant role beyond the initial reports, but the situation highlights how quickly volatile arguments can escalate when weapons are involved.

As with all criminal cases, Wetherbee is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Investigators will continue to examine the evidence, including statements from those present, as prosecutors determine how to proceed.

For residents of the small Idaho town, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how domestic disputes—especially those involving firearms—can turn dangerous in an instant, leaving lasting consequences for everyone involved.