Ben Hankins shot and killed his wife, Lisa "Nettie" Hankins, 32, during a dispute at his home Friday morning, authorities said.

Police said Hankins called 911 just moments after the deadly shooting, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

"She pulled my gun. I'm a Gaston reserve officer. She pulled my gun on me, and I shot back," Hankins said on the call.

Hankins told dispatchers his wife was covered in blood. She was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later, officials said.

Dispatchers said they tried to talk Hankins through CPR, but he refused, police said.

Delaware County sheriff's deputies said they had made one run to Hankins' house in September 2010, just one month after the couple filed for divorce.

Authorities said the couple had three small children, two of which were at school while the third, a 4-year-old girl, was sitting in a car outside the house when the shooting happened.

Neighbor Brenda Ragland said she couldn't believe what happened.

"He was a good dad. They were a nice family," said Ragland. "My heart's broken for all of them."

The children were placed in the care of relatives.