Police: Man Claimed He Accidentally Stabbed Elderly Woman To Death
LA PORTE, Ind. (CBS) -- A northwest Indiana man allegedly claimed he was showing off "knife moves" to his elderly roommate when he accidentally killed her at their home in La Porte.
WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports Daniel Shoffner, 47, has been charged with murder in the death of 73-year-old Birdie Elder, whose body was found inside a freezer in the home they shared.
Officers were called to the home after Shoffner's daughter called police, saying he had told her he killed Elder. Police found the victim's body, completely frozen, in a seated position inside a 3-foot-tall chest-style freezer.
Police said Shoffner claimed he was demonstrating "knife moves" when he accidentally stabbed her in the neck and chest. He allegedly admitted he also might have stabbed her in the hand, as she tried to protect herself.
Authorities believe Elder's body had been in the freezer for about a week before it was discovered.
According to court documents, Shoffner claimed he was trying to take his own life after killing Elder.
Neighbors reported Elder and Shoffner had been involved in a romantic relationship, and Shoffner had moved into Elder's home several months ago, after her husband died.
Shoffner was being held without bond at the LaPorte County Jail. He was due for an arraignment hearing on Friday.