Autopsy findings released Thursday reveal that the death of the wife of a Lawrence man charged with two counts of child rape was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

William Ellis, Jr.

Angela Ellis, 38, of Lawrence, was found dead in the single-wide trailer home she shared with husband William Ellis Jr., 39, on July 30.

He was arrested five days prior on suspicion of raping two girls under the age of 10 who had attended a makeshift daycare at the Ellis home for about a year and a half. An arrest affidavit in the case alleged Angela Ellis walked in on the most recent of William Ellis’ alleged sexual encounters with one of the girls.

Angela Ellis’ autopsy noted she had sought treatment for depression from Lawrence Memorial Hospital the day of her husband’s arrest. Receipts indicated she purchased the handgun and ammunition that killed her on the day before she was discovered dead.

She was listed as a witness on the case when charges first were filed. It is unclear whether or how her death could affect the prosecution of William Ellis’ case. According to his arrest affidavit, he has confessed to the crimes before law enforcement personnel.

Ellis entered a not guilty plea Oct. 15 in Douglas County court, where Chief District Judge Robert Fairchild set Ellis’ jury trial for Feb. 8. If convicted, he faces a “Hard 40” or minimum 40 years in prison for each count, according to prosecutors.

Ellis has a prior conviction of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child from 1996, according to court records.

He remains in the Douglas County Jail on a $500,000 bond.