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Meghan Macklin, 45, is in a Tennessee jail awaiting her extradition to Pennsylvania, prosecutors said Wednesday, March 6.
Authorities believe she killed Richard Scott MacFarland, who was found with dead "multiple stab and slash wounds" at his 55 Apple Hill Road home last Oct. 7.
Police were called to the residence around 4 p.m. when a witness peaked through the window and saw the 72-year-old lying on the floor, the DA's Office said in a release.
Investigators found a small amount of dried blood on MacFarland's face and later found lacerations on his torso under his shirt, according to prosecutors.
"It appeared as if the victim had been cleaned and dressed after he was murdered because his clothing had a minuscule amount of blood visible, and there were no tears consistent with stab or slash wounds on the outer clothing," the DA's Office said.
Jewelry, blank checks, and MacFarland's black 2013 Mercedes had been stolen as well, police noted.
Officers also found bloody linens and clothing stuffed in a suitcase, and a prescription pill bottle in a backpack with Macklin's name on it, according to the release.
Macklin was arrested in White Pine, Tennessee, around 7:30 p.m. that night, police said.
Convenience store employees called 911 after she allegedly stole food and officers noticed she was driving the stolen Mercedes, the DA's Office said. Body camera footage shows she identified herself as Janet MacFarland, the name of the victim's late wife, according to officials.
In the Mercedes, police said they found jewelry, coins, checks, and other items that tested positive for MacFarland's DNA.
Prosecutors did not describe the relationship between Macklin and MacFarland, but said police had been called to the Apple Hill Road home twice for domestic disturbances in the days before the body was discovered.
In addition to first- and second-degree murder, she is charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, possession of an instrument of crime, abuse of a corpse, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and simple assault.
Authorities are asking anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts between Oct. 4 and Oct. 7 to call detectives at 215-348-6354.
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