In Lower Pottsgrove Township, Pennsylvania, an 84-year-old man, Barton Seltmann, faces charges of murder in connection with the death of his 85-year-old wife, Margaret Seltmann. The incident, which stemmed from a disagreement over veterinary expenses for their cat, resulted in a physical altercation leading to the fatal injury of Margaret Seltmann.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Chief Richard Bell disclosed in a joint statement that the argument escalated into violence. Evidence at the scene indicated that Margaret Seltmann was repeatedly struck in the head while on the kitchen floor.
Barton Seltmann called 911 to report an “unresponsive female.” Upon arrival, police found him on the rear porch with blood on his hands, face, and clothing. Initially, Barton Seltmann suggested to 911 operators that his wife might have been attacked by someone else. However, he later admitted to assaulting her during an argument.
According to NBC Philadelphia, Seltmann claimed the confrontation turned violent when his wife threatened him with a knife. He responded by pushing her with a chair, causing her to fall and hit her head. Despite not seeing a knife in her hand, Seltmann confessed to punching her multiple times and hitting her head with a candle holder. During the assault, his wife allegedly uttered, “You’re killing me.”
Investigators discovered a small kitchen knife under the body of Margaret Seltmann. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, after conducting a forensic examination, determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, ruling the death a homicide.
Barton Seltmann has been charged with first- and third-degree murder. He is due for a preliminary hearing on December 5. As of now, court records do not show an attorney representing Seltmann.
