Elderly woman slashed during apparent suicide pact has died

BELLE VERNON, Pa. — An elderly woman slashed by her husband during an apparent suicide pact has died.

Paramedics were called to the married couple’s home on Cedar Hills Boulevard after a neighbor spotted Edward Friday bleeding from his wrists by the doorway. His wife Wilma “Jean” Friday was found on her bed with a badly cut throat.

“They decided that yesterday was the day they were going to end their life. Very sad, very sad story, but the circumstances were bizarre,” said Rostraver’s Police Chief.

Edward told emergency crews that his wife tried to cut her own neck, but when it wasn’t working, he tried to help. He said Wilma pushed him away and he stopped.

The incident is now being investigated.

“At that point in time (when he) assisted her, and that’s where things take the turn toward the criminal side," said the police chief.

Neighbors say the couple appeared to be happy and active.

“He took such wonderful care of her. When she was in the hospital (because) she broke her hip, he was there from 9 in the morning to 9 at night, every night,” said neighbor Donna Vennare.

Cox Media Group