ROLESVILLE — A Wake County woman is fighting for her life and her husband is behind bars after an early morning shooting.

Deputies were called to a home just north of Rolesville at about 5 a.m. Wednesday. They found Darlene Smith lying on the lawn with a gunshot wound to the back of her head. Her husband, Ortega Darryl Smith, was sitting on the front steps.

Investigators believe he may have shot his wife as she tried to leave.

Neighbor Cathy McCarle told WRAL-TV5'sAmanda Lambthat she heard the gunshot.

The Wake County Sheriff's department had never been called to this home for a domestic dispute before, but on Wednesday morning found Darlene Smith shot with a .22 caliber rifle. Her husband Ortega Darryl Smith, who goes by the name of Darryl, placed a call to 9-1-1.

Captain Macks Pickett of the Wake County Sheriff's department says the husband was immediately taken into custody.

It appears Darlene Smith had her bags packed and was trying to leave when she was shot. Counselors say this is not surprising. Interact Director Lucinda Drago says victims have a 75 percent greater chance of being killed when they leave their abusive partners.

This, she says, is the reason many victims stay with abusive partners

Darlene Smith was taken to a hospital where she underwent surgery. The Smiths have no children.

If you or someone you know suffers from abuse, these are the numbers to call for help. In Wake County call 919-828-7740, in Durham County, 919-688-2372, in Orange County, 919-929-7122, and in Cumberland County, 910-822-3070.