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Barton Lewis Seltmann, 84, has been arrested for the homicide of his 85-year-old wife, Margaret Seltmann, as stated in court documents obtained by Daily Voice.
Mr. Seltmann called 911 call to report "an unresponsive female" found in the 1900 block of North Keim Street at 2:26 p.m., the DA said. He added that the woman was "bleeding from the head" and their home was "ransacked," according to the criminal complaint.
The police arrived to find Mr. Seltmann "on the rear porch, with blood on his hands, face and clothing," as stated in the release. Mrs. Seltmann was found dead on the kitchen floor the DA explained. Shards of broken glass from a candle jar were found near her body and a small black kitchen knife was found under her, as detailed in the affidavit of probable cause.
Mr. Seltmann was taken to Pottstown Hospital with a hand injury.
An autopsy revealed Mrs. Seltmann died of blunt force traumas to her head and the manner was ruled a homicide by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
This "domestic incident," turned homicide was determined to be over a cat's veterinary, according to the DA:
"Detectives found that Margaret and Barton Seltmann were arguing about money for veterinary care of their cat when the fight turned physical. Evidence found on scene indicated that the victim was struck multiple times in the head while lying on the kitchen floor."
During the investigation, Mr. Seltmann repeatedly told the detectives that his wife said "I'm going to kill you!" He also admitted to pushing the four-legs of a chair into his wife while fighting over the cost of the cat's care, according to the affidavit.
After Barton Seltmann was released from the hospital he was arrested by Pottsgrove Township police on the charges of homicide murder in the first degree and felony murder in the third degree, authorities said and court records confirmed.
His preliminary arraignment was before Magisterial District Judge Emmett Madden at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, according to his court docket. He's been remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility as homicide is a non-bailable offense according to Pennsylvania state law.
His preliminary hearing has been scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Edward C. Kropp Sr. at 10 a.m. on Dec. 5, the DA said and his latest docket confirmed.
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