Caldwell Charged in Monica Anderson Shooting

A Traverse City man will face charges in the November 19 shooting death of his girlfriend at their shared apartment on Aero Park Drive, according to Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney. Cooney authorized charges including involuntary manslaughter, discharge of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol causing death, felony firearm possession and resisting and obstructing a police officer against 33-year-old Robert Caldwell for his involvement in the incident that took the life of 28-year-old Monica June Anderson.

Caldwell originally told 9-1-1 respondents and investigators that he accidentally shot and killed Anderson during an attempted suicide. Cooney says the charges being filed against Caldwell "reflect the belief of law enforcement that evidence was insufficient to find that this was an intentional shooting." However, "we nevertheless believe (Anderson's death) was the result of criminal negligence," he says. Cooney, who also alleged Caldwell was "grossly negligent" in his actions, explains the allegation means "that a person is wanton or willful in their disregard for the safety of other people."

Caldwell, who is currently being held in custody in Leelanu County on a separate probation violation charge, is scheduled for a video arraignment for the charges connected to Anderson's death at 8:30 a.m. this morning.