A local man accidentally shot and killed his ex-wife Tuesday, law enforcement officials say.

Jacob Raymel says he was standing on a hill about 300 feet from his ex-wife’s home, looking around for his car, when the high-powered hunting rifle he was holding mis-fired.

“I had just bought the gun, and I was showing it to a friend who lives on the same street. It just went off,” said Raymel, almost in tears.

Nancy Raymel-Fagan was struck in the head as she was leaving for work. The bullet entered through her left eye and exited through the back of her head just behind the right ear, killing her instantly.

“This is such a horrible accident, I can’t even believe this happened,” said Raymel.

Mr. Raymel is a retired U.S. Marine Scout Sniper.