Man Killed Wife With Extension Cord After Argument: Montco DA

POTTSTOWN, PA — A Montgomery County man has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities said he strangled his 71-year-old wife to death as she sat in a recliner at their Pottstown home last week.

Michael Hatfield, 69, of N. Hanover Street told police he strangled his wife, Mary Hatfield, after an argument Wednesday.

Authorities with the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office and Pottstown Police Department said Michael Hatfield called police just after 11 a.m. Friday, saying he had “hurt his wife.” When asked what kind of injury she had, he responded, "strangulation," according to an affidavit of probable cause released by police.

When Pottstown Police arrived on the scene, officers found Mary Hatfield dead on the living room. A police investigation revealed that the couple had had an argument on Wednesday night and he used an orange extension cord to strangle her, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said in a news release.

According to the affidavit, Michael Hatfield took the extension cord from the closet and walked behind his wife as she sat on a recliner. He told detectives he wrapped it around her neck and pulled it until she stopped breathing.

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy, finding the cause of death was strangulation, and the manner of death ruled homicide.

“This tragic death of Mary Hatfield at the hands of her husband by strangulation is a horrible case of the worst end result of domestic violence,” said Steele. “People living in domestic violence need to know there is help available, even in these unprecedented times. Reach out to Laurel House or the Women’s Center of Montgomery County. They can help.”

Michael Hatfield has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge John Kessler. He was not eligible for bail and was sent to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 17.