A woman accused of fatally attacking her husband with a box cutter and coffee mug has been charged with second-degree murder, according to authorities.
Christine Clark, of Hartford, New York, is also charged with tampering with physical evidence, a felony offense, and criminal possession of a weapon, which is a misdemeanor, New York State Police said in a Thursday, September 24, news release.
State police and first responders found Clark’s husband, James M. Clark, with “severe, life-threatening injuries” at a Hartford home the morning of Wednesday, September 23, after they were called to a report of an unresponsive adult, according to police.
James, 43, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately died.
Christine, 43, was arrested that same day in relation to his death, police said.
Investigators learned Christine cut James’ body using a box cutter and struck his head with a coffee mug, according to court filings obtained by WTEN.
She is accused of trying to hide her involvement in the crime by attempting to clean her husband’s blood using towels and water, the TV station reported.
It wasn’t immediately clear what led to the alleged attack.
Following her arrest, Christine was booked in the Washington County Correctional Facility, state police said. The jail is located about a 55-mile drive northeast from Albany.
On Thursday, September 24, she appeared in court for an arraignment and was ordered to be held in jail without bail.
State police said more details will be released following James’ autopsy, which was scheduled for Thursday.
Information regarding her legal representation or whether she entered a plea wasn’t immediately available.
If Christine is found guilty of second-degree murder, she could face at least 15 years in prison and up to 25 years to life, according to the Marwaha Law Group.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
