HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An audio confession of a man accused of killing his wife in Hempfield Township was played in court Thursday.
David Stahl is facing criminal homicide charges after police said he strangled wife Rebecca Stahl, 37, then wrapped her body in plastic and blankets.
An audio confession was played in court Thursday where officials said Stahl confessed, saying the killing was accidental. On the audio confession, Stahl said Rebecca came at him with a knife and he was defending himself.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Stahl said from jail shortly after being charged with his wife’s murder. “I was just trying to keep her off of me. I wasn’t trying to choke her.”
Stahl said he was drinking Feb. 18 and when he returned home he found his wife smoking marijuana. Stahl said they got into a fight and his wife chased him with a steak knife.
Authorities asked Stahl if he called 911 after realizing she was dead and he said no.
Rebecca Stahl's body was found near Route 981 close to Arnold Palmer Airport in Latrobe days after she was reported missing last month.
“I’m sorry it happened,” Stahl said. “I miss my lovebird.”
Rebecca Stahl was a teacher at Derry Area Middle School.
David Stahl remains in the Westmoreland County Jail without bond.