An 84-year-old man from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is accused of killing his wife over an argument about their cat’s veterinary bills, as per NBC10 Philadelphia. Authorities said they received a 911 call from Barton Seltmann, who reported an “unresponsive female” at his home in Lower Pottsgrove Township. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Barton’s wife, Margaret Seltmann, dead, with Barton’s hands, face, and clothing covered in blood.
Woman struck in the head with candleholder
According to the investigators, the couple were involved in a heated argument about “money for veterinary care of their cat.” As the verbal fight turned physical, Margaret grabbed a knife from the kitchen and threatened to stab her husband.
Subsequently, Barton pushed her using a chair, following which she fell, hitting her head on the floor. He then proceeded to punch her repeatedly before he struck her in the head with a candleholder. During the assault, Margaret told him, “You’re killing me,” after which he said his wife “went to sleep.”
While investigators assessed the scene, Barton was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for a hand injury.
Under the body of Margaret Seltmann, police discovered a small kitchen knife. In addition, there were fragments of broken glass from a candle jar. According to the police statement, an autopsy later revealed that the woman died from “blunt force injuries to the head.” As such, her death was ruled a homicide.
His brother Ron Seltmann told Action News he was shocked when he heard what happened, saying that the incident “just tore us apart.”
“It’s difficult when it’s close with a family like that, you know, living right next door to me,” he shared. Ron also added that the couple, who’d been married for over three decades, seemed happy.
His wife Sandy mentioned that Margaret had told her Barton may have dementia. “Like if he went somewhere, he wasn’t remembering where he was at and things and she was concerned about it.”
Barton, who’s charged with first-degree murder and third-degree murder, is currently being held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail. He is due to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 5.
