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PA Wife Not Bitten By Goose, Charged With Murder In 35-Year-Old Cold Case Of Shot Husband

In 1987 Carl Jarvis was shot in the back of his head, 35 years later, his wife Judith Ann Jarvis, was arrested on a murder charge, authorities announced on Tuesday, Dec. 13., 2022. 

Carl Jarvis in 1987.

Carl Jarvis in 1987.

Photo Credit: Perry County district attorney's office

Judith had called the police during a supposed domestic dispute on Aug. 19, 1987, around midnight, according to Pennsylvania state police. 

Carl was later found naked with two gunshot wounds to the head in a bedroom in their home, police explain.

A .22 caliber revolver with a six-inch barrel and a two-inch trigger guard was found on the bed, according to police. During the autopsy, it was determined that Carl had a 0.13% blood alcohol content and he had been shot a close range with the .22 caliber gun, as detailed by police.  

Through 2021, Judith claimed that blood found on her pajamas was from a goose bite, but new DNA technology used hair samples to positively match Carl to the blood, even though she "never touched him" and had "no idea" where he was when the state police arrived that night in 1987, the police explained in the court documents and at the press conference.

The alleged domestic assault involved Carl throwing a coffee pot but never touching her, according to the authorities. 

Now 76 years old, Judith was arrested in Lancaster County and has been held in the Cumberland County Prison after being denied bail, according to the Perry County District Attorney. 

Her preliminary hearing has been set before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey J. Wood on Dec. 23 at 11 a.m., according to her court docket. 

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