A 90-year-old man killed his 85-year-old wife with a hatchet Tuesday morning, Spartanburg County authorities said as they charged him with murder.


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William David Martin

Sheriff's deputies arrested William David Martin, sent him to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for an evaluation and took him to the Spartanburg County jail. Deputies and the 7th Circuit Solicitor's Office think Martin, who turned 90 on May 11, is the oldest person to be charged with murder in this judicial circuit.

Deputies said Martin's wife, Jeanette C. Martin, died at the hospital from injuries sustained from a hatchet inside their 445 Rambling Rose Way residence, which has a Moore address but is closer to the Roebuck community. An autopsy was pending.

Sheriff Chuck Wright said deputies assembled at the couple's home about 7:25 a.m. Tuesday in response to a 911 call placed by the couple's 46-year-old grandson. Wright said a simple argument turned into a death investigation.

“The only thing I can say is you probably need to pray for this family because it's very traumatic, what they're going through right now,” Wright said during a brief news conference.

A responding officer reported that the grandson had taken the hatchet from William Martin and placed it in the hall. William Martin was sitting in a chair in the living room, with the grandson standing over him, and Jeanette Moore was on the bedroom floor “severely hurt,” according to the report.

The arrival of patrol deputies, violent crimes investigators and emergency personnel in the Arbours West subdivision rattled residents of closely placed houses with manicured lawns, sculpted shrubs and “close-knit” neighbors. Sheriff's Public Information Officer Tony Ivey said deputies had no record of being called to the Martin home, and the area “is probably the lowest crime rate neighborhood” in the south region of patrol.

Brenda Hooker lives just down the street from the Martin house, and has known the couple for about 10 years. Hooker could not believe the news and said Jeanette Martin “was just a sweet lady” and recalled William “Bill” Martin was an “awfully gentle person” who walked down the street to visit Hooker's father in her home before he died.

Hooker said she never saw Bill Martin upset, never heard him utter an unkind word and couldn't remember him raising his voice.

“I wouldn't have been more shocked if this had been my own parents,” Hooker said. “That was totally out of character.”

Hooker said Bill Martin was an “avid mall walker” and kept in good physical and mental condition. She said he had been out of his home, living with his daughter, while he recovered from a pacemaker operation. Hooker said Bill Martin recently returned to his house but may have been going through a bout of depression after the operation.

William Martin sat in a wheelchair as his mug shot was taken Tuesday afternoon and as detention officers led him to an arraignment before a magistrate. He must appear before a General Sessions judge before he can be considered for bond.

Hooker said neighbors were “extremely concerned” for the Martin family and “really at a loss” for how to help them.

“I don't think there is much, other than to keep them in our thoughts and prayers,” she said. “It's a sad, sad situation.”

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It was a split decision.

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He had an axe to grind is all.

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How do you punish a 90 year old for murder?

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Hangin

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I'm pretty sure you just jack the AC real high.  Intolerable suffering apparently.

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How do you punish a 90 year old for murder?

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Dementia

Case closed

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He made peace with his wife and buried the hatchet...                                ...in her head.

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As long as we're on full speculation mode, how about he's taking the rap for a fucked up grandkid or great grand kid?

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How do you punish a 90 year old for murder?

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He had an axe to grind is all.

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90 year old arm strength and all.  Had to do it.

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How do you punish a 90 year old for murder?

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Bow chiki bow wow

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Just keep ragging on us old guys. 2 or 3 threads lately so you all been warned.––IS  

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Searched and didn't find this anywhere...


Link

Took the whole bitch make me a sammich a little far I'd say  Sucks

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Saw it on the news, only about 30mi from me.
They wheeled him out on a gurney with about a dozen  hatchet straps holding him down...

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Dementia

Case closed

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Bow chiki bow wow