Bodybuilder father-of-two, 26, dies after being shot four times by his wife during an argument inside their Houston apartment

A bodybuilder has died weeks after he was gunned down by his wife in the middle of an argument in front of their children.

Michael Chidozie, 26, died last week after his wife Keaiirra Shavoiyae Chidozie, 28, shot him four times in their home in Houston on March 21, police said. 

He was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital after police found him with gunshot wounds and his wife in a panic holding their two kids, aged three and two.

Chidozie lingered on life support as his family prayed for his recovery, but he suffered a devastating spinal injury and died of complications 18 days later.

Michael Chidozie, 26, died last week after his wife shot him four times in their home in Houston on March 21

Keaiirra Shavoiyae Chidozie, 28, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the shooting, and her charges have not been upgraded since his death

Chidozie lingered on life support as his family prayed for his recovery, but he suffered a devastating spinal injury and died of complications 18 days later

Keaiirra was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the shooting, and her charges have not been upgraded since his death.

She claimed to have shot Chidozie in self-defense as she feared for her life during the argument when he followed her into their bedroom.

It's unclear what the argument was over.  

The argument began elsewhere in the house before she went to the bedroom, where she picked up a pistol and shot him.

Chidozie was shot once in the arm, once in the chest, and twice in his torso and left to die on the bedroom floor.

Police found Keaiirra with the children in a nearby parking lot after witnesses called police to say she was frantically running around asking for help.

 Friends said they never saw the couple be violent towards each other and were shocked that an argument escalated to something deadly

Chidozie was shot once in the arm, once in the chest and twice in his torso

Chidozie's family are trying to raise $70,000 to bring his body back to Nigeria for burial, as it was his dream to one day return to his homeland

Friends said they never saw the couple be violent towards each other and were shocked that an argument escalated to something deadly.

Chidozie's family are trying to raise $70,000 to bring his body back to Nigeria for burial, as it was his dream to one day return to his homeland.

'His passing has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He was a devoted father, a cherished son, and a dear friend to many,' they said.

'Chidozie's kind heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for his family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.'

Keaiirra was released on bail and is set to next face court on May 23. Their children are being cared for by other family.