A 76-year-old woman in Maryland has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly bludgeoning her husband to death with a cane.
Gail D’Anthony is accused of killing her 72-year-old husband, John D’Anthony III, in their home on March 1. At first, the police responded to a call reporting that the husband had suffered a cardiac arrest. However, a subsequent autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with natural death. The elderly man had extensive blunt force injuries all over his body, a broken rib, two black eyes, a broken neck, lacerations to his mouth, and contusions on his hands and forearms.
Following this discovery, authorities launched a homicide investigation. A witness later came forward, claiming that D’Anthony had confessed to the killing. According to the prosecutors, D’Anthony admitted to shoving her husband, causing him to fall and hit his head. She then allegedly fetched a cane and used it to bludgeon him on the head, preventing him from getting up. After several unsuccessful attempts to revive him, D’Anthony called 911 for help.
Authorities have not disclosed the motive for the alleged attack. John D’Anthony III was described as Gail D’Anthony’s “love of his life” in his obituary, emphasizing their 39-year-long marriage.
Gail D’Anthony has been charged with first- and second-degree murder. She remains in custody without bail after waiving a hearing.
Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker expressed a commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence, regardless of age, stating that all law enforcement in Carroll County is dedicated to this cause.
