Elderly Woman Charged with Murder After Beating Husband to Death

Authorities have revealed that the death of a Maryland man was a result of his wife's actions, as she allegedly shoved him to the ground and beat him with a cane. 

Gail Joy D'Anthony, a 76-year-old woman standing at 4 feet, 10 inches and weighing 90 pounds, is now facing charges of both first- and second-degree murder.

According to prosecutors in Carroll County, emergency services and the police responded to a cardiac arrest report at a residence on Royer Road in Westminster on the evening of March 1. 

Despite attempts by EMS to save the victim, 72-year-old John D'Anthony III, he could not be revived.

Further examination revealed multiple injuries that were inconsistent with a natural death. 

Authorities stated, "The medical examiner's autopsy results confirmed that Mr. D'Anthony had suffered extensive blunt force injuries, including lacerations to his mouth, a broken neck, a broken rib, black eyes, and significant bruises on his hands and forearms. 

These injuries were inconsistent with a single fall or natural causes, leading to the ruling of a homicide."

In May, Carroll County Sheriff's Office investigators received a request to continue the investigation. 

Suspected blood spatter, believed to be connected to D'Anthony's injuries, was found at the scene. 

A witness later came forward with information that aligned with the victim's injuries.

Detectives made contact with a witness in June who claimed that Gail D'Anthony had confessed to killing her husband. 

According to the witness, she pushed him to the ground, causing him to hit his head, and then proceeded to strike him with a cane, preventing him from getting up. 

She left the room several times before finding her husband unresponsive and subsequently calling 911.

Based on the evidence at the scene and the witness testimony, an arrest warrant was issued for Gail D'Anthony. 

She was apprehended on Wednesday and does not currently have legal representation.

Carroll County State's Attorney Haven Shoemaker expressed gratitude to the investigators involved in the case, emphasizing their commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence regardless of age. 

Shoemaker stated, "This arrest and prosecution were the result of dedicated efforts from both the Sheriff's and State's Attorney's Offices, particularly Detective Ashley Owens and Assistant State's Attorneys Amy Ocampo and Connie Yarborough."