Man who shot wife in mercy killing gets bail

Kim Smith

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002 | 9:51 a.m.

Bail for a Las Vegas man who claims he killed his wife to death to end her misery was reduced to $50,000 Monday so he can plan to attend her memorial service.

Kenneth Costanzo was originally being held without bail in the Clark County Detention Center, but District Judge Joseph Bonaventure set his bail at $50,000 Monday after Costanzo pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

The defendant also agreed to serve a four- to 10-year prison sentence.

Costanzo, 51, told the judge he has been willing to accept responsibility from the beginning and promised to appear at his sentencing Jan. 6.

Costanzo's attorney, Steve Wolfson, says Costanzo shot Renee Shreves, 50, in the head in March because she was suffering terrible pain from multiple sclerosis and from breast implant surgery complications.

Wolfson told Bonaventure on Monday that Costanzo wanted out of jail before his sentencing so he could hold a memorial service for his wife and so he could visit his newly deceased father's gravesite in New York.

Costanzo also has a tumor in his chest he would like removed while he is out, Wolfson said.

Chief Deputy District Attorney David Schwartz objected to Wolfson's request, saying it was inappropriate for someone who took a human life and is facing prison time to be released from jail.

Schwartz did not dispute Wolfson's contention the slaying was a mercy killing.

Bonaventure appeared reluctant at first, but upon learning the details of Shreves' death, relented.

The judge chided Wolfson for not including the details in his written motion and asked Wolfson if he assumed he read the newspapers. Wolfson said he assumed the details would be discussed in court.