INDIO -- A psychologist was appointed today to examine a Bermuda Dunes man accused of fatally shooting his wife of 38 years during an argument.

Garey Lee Smith, 55, faces 50 years in prison if convicted of killing his spouse, Sandra, just before midnight Aug. 22 at their home in the 41000 block of Trinity Circle.

At the request of the defense, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Thomas Douglass appointed psychologist Michael Kania to prepare a written report of Smith's mental state by Oct. 7.

Smith allegedly shot his 63-year-old spouse five times, then dialed 911 and admitted what he had done, according to prosecutors.

Sandra Smith was already dead when deputies arrived at the couple's home, said sheriff's Sgt. Joe Borja. Her husband was inside and was taken into custody without incident, according to the sergeant.

A neighbor said the couple had lived on the block for as long as 20 years and had recently begun selling their possessions.

Smith was being held in lieu of $2 million at the Indio Jail.