Police: Man pleads guilty to killing wife inside Wilkinsburg home

WILKINSBURG, Pa. — A man who confessed to killing his wife in their Wilkinsburg home back in 2016 pleaded guilty to a murder charge Monday.

Richard Katilius appeared before a judge, pleading guilty to one count of third degree murder in connection with the strangulation death of his wife Linda.

Linda Katilius, 63 at the time of her death, was found inside a home on Old Gate Road in the early hours of Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Police said that a family member had asked officers to check on her.

Authorities said they forced their way inside and found Katilius dead in an upstairs bedroom.

Investigators found her husband, Richard Katilius, in Butler County and took him to Allegheny County police headquarters for questioning.

“It's impossible to believe, impossible,” neighbor Andrea Shields said.

Shields told Channel 11 that Richard and Linda Katilius, his second wife of 20 years, seemed happy and that there were no signs of trouble or police calls to the couple’s home.

Investigators said Richard Katilius, 60, admitted during questioning that he killed his wife, saying he choked her but it was not intentional.

According to the criminal complaint, Richard Katilius told police that "nothing really snapped inside of him” and that “he just did it, and he does not remember why.”

The medical examiner said Linda Katilius died from manual strangulation. Police said Richard Katilius had blood and scratch marks on his hand, chest and neck.

Authorities have charged Richard Katilius with criminal homicide.

Linda Katilius’ co-workers at Coldwell Banker Realty in Murrysville were shocked to learn of her death.

"It was a shocking moment. It was hard for everybody here at the time. She was truly loved by everyone here,” office manager Audia Otto said.

Otto, who had worked with Linda Katilius since 1997, said Katilius and her husband were in Florida last week on vacation.

Like Shields, Otto said she never had any indication that Linda Katilius was having troubles at home. She described Linda Katilius as one of the most genuine people she’s ever met.

"She is one of those very rare souls. She was the kindest, gentlest, soft-spoken person you've ever met,” Otto said.

Linda Katilius didn’t have any children, but her co-workers said once her family grieves, they’ll find a way to honor her in their own way.

Richard Katilius will next appear before a judge for sentencing on July 30, 2019.

Cox Media Group