Sheriff’s Office Arrests Woman for the Murder of her Husband
An Evansville woman is in custody on charges of murder after deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at west side home yesterday evening.
On Saturday, July 20, 2019 at approximately 6:03 PM the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2601 Glenview Drive in order to investigate reported suspicious circumstances. A female 911 caller claimed that she had stabbed her husband with a knife and needed an ambulance and the police. Sheriff’s deputies arrived and made contact with the 911 caller, Mrs. Wendy Payne, who was found in the back yard of the residence.
Sheriff’s deputies observed that Mrs. Payne was covered in blood and heard her state that she had stabbed her husband. Deputies detained Mrs. Payne and made entry into the residence to check the welfare of any possible victims. A deputy observed a male victim lying on the floor of the kitchen. He appeared to have sustained an injury to his upper left chest consistent with that of a stab wound. The deputy also observed a large kitchen knife on a table next to the male. The victim was identified as Mr. Edward Lee Payne, the husband of Mrs. Wendy Payne.
The deputy checked the victim, but could detect no signs of life. German Township Fire Department and AMR personnel responded, but no life-saving measures could be attempted. Mrs. Payne was transported to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center to be interviewed by detectives. While being transported, Mrs. Payne stated numerous times, “I’m going to jail for murder”. A witness on scene indicated the defendant said, “I killed him”.
Detectives interviewed Mrs. Payne, who invoked her right to remain silent and not speak without an attorney present. Mrs. Payne was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on a single count of murder.
An autopsy took place today at 11:00 AM at the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office. The Coroner will release an official determination of the cause and manner of death. Mrs. Payne will make an initial court appearance later this week.
ARRESTED:
Wendy Owen Payne (pictured above), 51, of Evansville. Murder (Indiana Code 35-42-1-1(1))
PREVIOUSLY: 2019-NR-033
FOOTNOTE: Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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