Maryland woman accused of fatally bludgeoning 72-year-old husband with cane

WESTMINSTER, Md. (TCD) -- Officials arrested a 76-year-old woman last week on suspicion of fatally beating her 72-year-old husband earlier this year.

According to a joint press release from the Carroll County Sheriff's Department and State's Attorney's Office, on March 1, shortly after 7:30 p.m., Westminster Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to a report of cardiac arrest at a home on the 300 block of Royer Road. EMS attempted lifesaving measures on John D'Anthony inside the residence, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner's Office determined he sustained blunt force trauma all over his body, as well as lacerations to his mouth, a broken neck, rib, two black eyes, and contusions. The victim's death was ruled a homicide.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit assumed the investigation on May 24 and found evidence of blood splatter in the Royer Road home consistent with the victim's blood force trauma injuries.

In June, a witness reportedly told authorities that 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 allegedly exited 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."

Once her husband was unconscious, Gail reportedly called 911 for help.

According to the Sheriff's Department and the State's Attorney's Office, officials determined the witness' statement was consistent with evidence found and analyzed at the Royer Road home.

On Wednesday, June 21, detectives arrested Gail D'Anthony in Cumberland, Maryland, on charges of first- and second-degree murder. She remains held without bail in Allegany County and will be transported to the Carroll County Detention Center.

MORE:

• Press Release - Carroll County State's Attorney's Office & Carroll County Sheriff's Office