Elderly Maryland Man Dead After ‘Love of His Life and Best Friend’ Wife Bludgeoned Him With Her Cane

A 72-year-old Maryland man was fatally beaten earlier this year and now his 76-year-old wife has been arrested in connection with his murder, according to authorities.

Around 7:30 p.m. on March 1, Westminster Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest at a home in Westminster, according to the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office.

First responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, later identified as John D’Anthony, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

An autopsy was completed by the Medical Examiner’s Office, which determined he sustained blunt force trauma all over his body, as well as cuts on his mouth, a broken neck, rib, two black eyes and contusions. His death was ruled a homicide, authorities said.

On May 24, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation and found evidence of blood splatter inside the Westminster home that was consistent with the victim’s blunt force trauma injuries.

In June, authorities spoke with a witness who said the victim’s wife, Gail D’Anthony, told them she had “killed her husband” by “pushing him to the ground, where he hit his head on the floor.”

Gail then allegedly left the room and came back with a cane, “which she used to bludgeon John on the head,” and she “used the cane to prevent him from getting up,” officials said.

Once John became unconscious, Gail reportedly called 911 for help.

After an investigation, officials determined the witness’ statement was consistent with evidence found and analyzed at the home.

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On June 21, Gail was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder, officials said.

She is being held without bail and will be transported to the Carroll County Detention Center.

Officials did not give a reason or motive behind the murder.