BELLE VERNON, Pa. — A coroner says the death of an elderly woman whose throat was allegedly slashed by her husband in what police called a botched "suicide pact" was a homicide.
Westmoreland County prosecutors and Rostraver police previously said they might charge the man with homicide once the autopsy on 84-year-old Wilma Jean Friday was complete.
Police say 80-year-old Edward Friday told them he slit the throat of his 82-year-old wife, cut his own wrists, then swallowed 20 painkillers before both were found Sunday afternoon at home.
Edward Friday is recovering in a hospital Thursday and it's unclear if he has an attorney. His wife died Tuesday in a Pittsburgh hospital.
District Attorney John Peck said the investigation was continuing and didn't expect a decision on charges Thursday.
Assisted suicide is illegal in Pennsylvania.
Associated Press
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