Estranged Husband Charged In Whitehall Township Woman's Death
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Lehigh County authorities say a 24-year-old man has been charged in the death of his estranged wife.
Gordon H. Rohrbaugh, of Berks County, was charged with one count criminal homicide in the death of 26-year-old Jillian H. Rohrbaugh.
Police responded to the victim's Whitehall Township apartment, which she shared with her mother, on the morning of October 21 for a report of a suspicious death. They say the victim was found with electrical wire wrapped around her neck. A sock had been inserted into her mouth and her mouth was taped shut.Mrs. Rohrbaugh's mother told police she left the apartment just before eight that morning. That was the last time she saw her daughter alive.
The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was asphyxiation.
On Thursday, the defendant admitted he had caused his wife's death during an argument and was taken into custody.
Authorities say the couple married in July, but were legally separated.