Charges: Man, 76, used hammer in wife's killing

WASHINGTON, Utah (AP) - A 76-year-old man from Washington City faces a murder charge after investigators say he bludgeoned his wife to death with a hammer at their home.

David Keith Benson made his first court appearance Thursday in the death of his 76-year-old wife, Madeline Benson. Officers who arrested him Wednesday morning say he had blood splattered on his face.

Police say they responded after the suspect's son called, saying his father reported he'd killed his wife. Madeline Benson was found dead in the kitchen of the couple's Pine View Estates home.

Officers reported that Benson repeatedly told them he didn't know why he did it. They said Benson was having continual thoughts of killing himself and others.

Court records don't list an attorney for Benson.

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