Harrington man charged with murder in wife’s death
HARRINGTON — A 69-year-old Harrington man was charged with murder after his wife was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside their home’s garage Sunday, authorities said.
According to Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 11:51 a.m., when Richard W. Nelson called 911 to report that he had killed his wife and his dog. A Harrington police officer was the first to arrive at the address, in the 100 block of East Lucky Estates Drive, and entered the residence through a partially opened garage door.
Upon entering, DSP spokesman Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said, the officer observed a woman deceased in a pool of blood on the floor. He left the home to await responding troopers, and subsequently, Mr. Nelson exited the garage and was taken into custody, police said.
When troopers and detectives entered the house, it was confirmed that the woman — later identified as Sandra M. Nelson, 74, of Harrington — had been stabbed numerous times in the garage, Cpl. Fournier said. She was pronounced dead by Kent County paramedics. Her body was transported to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
In addition, police said a family dog was found dead, also with stab wounds, in a bedroom of the house.
Mr. Nelson was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and cruelly or unnecessarily killing/injuring an animal. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7, Dover, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution, Georgetown, on a $522,000 cash bond.
The case remains under investigation by the DSP Homicide Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Grassi at 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or here.
