(CMR) A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder after she allegedly stabbed her physically disabled husband more than 140 times.
Joan Burke (61) appeared before a Palm Beach County judge on Sunday via video conference and is being held without bond.
Police said they responded to Burke's home on the evening of February 11 after receiving a call from a man who identified himself as the son of the suspect. He had reportedly returned home from work when he discovered the body of his stepfather Melvin Weller (62) lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood.
The police said they found the victim in a large pool of blood that covered more than half the kitchen floor. They also found a mop, a broom,,, and other cleaning tools next to the body.
Police said the victim, who appeared to be deceased, had multiple stab wounds and lacerations on his body. Officers noticed blood splatters and smears on the kitchen's kitchen's walls, cabinets, and counters. A couple of knives and a meat cleaver were found in the kitchen sink, police said.
According to the report, during a sweep of the home, officers discovered Burke lying in a bed in the master bedroom, conscious and alert but remaining silent, CNN reported. She had lacerations to the hand and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
An autopsy revealed the victim suffered more than 140 stab wounds and a skull fracture caused by a blow to the head with a meat cleaver, the report said.
A garbage bag containing a blood-stained nightgown belonging to the suspect and a cellphone that is believed to be the victim's were found at the home.
Police have not established a motive for the killing .
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
