Watch CBS News

Police: Man killed wife of 51 years with tool, fire poker

GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. -- Authorities say a New York man charged with killing his wife of 51 years admitted using a camping tool and fire poker to beat her inside their apartment.

The Leader-Herald of Gloversville reports a detective testified during a preliminary hearing Tuesday that 70-year-old Frank Ostrander told officers he argued Feb. 10 with his wife, Sally.

Detective Sgt. Mike Calbet testified that Ostrander told him he later attacked his sleeping 70-year-old wife with a hatchet or camping shovel. Calbet says Ostrander told him he hit her several times in the head before the tool broke.

Calbet says Ostrander then struck her with a fire poker before stabbing her with another object.

Ostrander is charged with second-degree murder. His public defender declined to comment Thursday on the charges.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.