St. Paul Man Accused of Killing Maplewood Woman After Wife Discovered Affair; Suspect Hospitalized After Shooting Himself

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. - A St. Paul man is charged with second degree murder after authorities say he fatally shot a Maplewood woman Wednesday morning, then attempted to take his own life, setting off a police standoff and shelter in place order for nearby residents.

Joseph Raymond Wiggins, 57, of St. Paul, is accused of killing Amy Doverspike, 55, at her apartment in Maplewood. Wiggins remains hospitalized in critical condition with a self inflicted gunshot wound and has not yet made a court appearance.

What investigators allege

According to the criminal complaint and statements from law enforcement, the shooting occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at an apartment complex located at 2565 Ivy Avenue in Maplewood. Apartment staff reported hearing multiple gunshots and called 911.

Officers arrived to find Doverspike lying outside her apartment door in a pool of blood. She had been shot multiple times, including in the upper thigh and in the back or shoulder area, according to the complaint. She was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she later died from her injuries.

Police believe Wiggins was still inside the apartment and armed, prompting authorities to establish a perimeter, evacuate portions of the building, and issue a shelter in place order for nearby residents. A SWAT team was eventually deployed. When officers entered the apartment, they found Wiggins suffering from a self inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was recovered at the scene.

Relationship and alleged motive

Court documents outline a complicated and volatile personal history between Wiggins and Doverspike. The two shared a son, Tisen Doverspike Wiggins, who is currently incarcerated after being convicted in a separate murder case.

Investigators allege the shooting was rooted in escalating relationship turmoil. According to the complaint, Wiggins’ current wife had recently decided to leave him after discovering he was involved in an extra marital affair. As his marriage was unraveling, Wiggins allegedly attempted to reconcile with Doverspike.

Family members, friends, and staff at the apartment complex told investigators that Doverspike did not want to resume a relationship with Wiggins.

The complaint further states that apartment staff had been contacted by Wiggins’ wife the day before the shooting, warning that Wiggins had threatened to end his life and expressing concern for his safety.

Messages and livestream after the shooting

After shooting himself, Wiggins allegedly sent text messages to his wife that included photographs of his injuries. According to the complaint, the messages included statements such as, “I killed her. I’m dying. I can’t get up.”

Prosecutors also allege that Wiggins livestreamed a video to Facebook after the shooting, during which he appeared to apologize. Reports note that his speech was difficult to understand due to his injuries.

Charge and current status

Wiggins is charged in Ramsey County District Court with second degree murder in the death of Amy Doverspike. He remains hospitalized under medical care and in custody, with his condition described as critical but stable. Additional court proceedings are expected once he is medically cleared.

The case underscores the often lethal intersection of domestic violence, emotional crisis, and access to firearms. Authorities have emphasized that the allegations remain accusations and that Wiggins is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Help is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or a mental health crisis, help is available. In the United States, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1 800 799 7233 or by texting START to 88788.

MinneapoliMedia