Linda Clark, who got shot while shielding her 5-year-old grandson from her husband, died Sunday, though authorities cant yet say if her death is related to the gunshot wounds.

Clark shielded her 5-year-old grandson when her husband, Robert L. Bobby Clark, killed her 6-year-old grandson June 7,  thinking the child took a piece of watermelon meant for a picnic.

Bobby Clark, 55, pleaded guilty last month to malice murder in the shooting death of his grandson, Michael Levigne, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and aggravated battery. A Jackson County Superior Court judge sentenced him to life without parole.

Linda Clark died Sunday, but authorities are not sure if her death is directly related to the gunshot wounds, Piedmont Circuit District Attorney Brad Smith said this afternoon. Clark had experienced health problems before shooting, according to family members.

Were not going to do anything right away, Smith said. Were going to let the family bury her and go through the normal grieving process. And then well start collecting and going over the medical records to determine whether any more charges should be filed.

Clark remained in Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for weeks after the shooting, and later was moved to a long-term care facility late in the summer, according to family members.

The Clarks had started arguing the morning of June 7 after Linda Clark had accused her husband of taking a piece of a watermelon that she was saving for a Sunday afternoon picnic and blaming it on the grandchildren.

After arguing with his wife, Bobby Clark got a gun from his bedroom and killed Michael with one shot. Linda Clark was critically injured when she stepped in front of Michaels 5-year-old brother to protect him, according to Lindas son, Tom Murphy.

When police arrived at the house the day of the murder, a bullet came through the front door of the house, which is off Georgia Highway 15 Alternate, just north of downtown Commerce.

The shot touched off a 20-minute standoff. Officers reached Clark by telephone after they heard a second gunshot, and he allowed his wounded wife and their 5-year-old grandson to leave through the back door, according to neighbors and police.

Clark then opened the front door armed with a pistol. Officers shot him and inside found Michaels body.

The Clarks had custody of the boys for several years. The 5-year-old has since gone to live with his mother in Habersham County.

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