Washington man suspected of wife's murder gives police conflicting stories

Warrants returned in a murder investigation indicate James Blum told police conflicting stories about how his wife died.

Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman said in court documents that Blum, 70, called 911 on Monday at 2:12 p.m., reporting he thought he had killed his wife, Patricia Blum, 67, by smothering her. She had no pulse and was not breathing, he said.

When emergency personnel arrived at the couple's home at 1009 E. Washington St. (Highway 92), Goodman said, they found Patricia Blum slumped over a coffee table with her coat on.

Officers initially left the home, but Blum asked them to re-enter and see if the house keys were on a desk. The officer who checked saw a note there indicating that two individuals “caused this” and that “I killed Patty.”

The home and garage were secured and a warrant obtained, Goodman said.

When questioned by police, Blum said his wife had attempted to leave the house but had backed the couple's car into the garage. Blum said he then pushed his wife onto the couch face first and smothered her. Blum said he did not call 911 for more than 20 minutes after that.

Blum faces a second-degree murder charge and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

A first-degree murder charge alleges intent and premeditation, whereas a second-degree murder charge does not. The prison time for second-degree murder, upon conviction, is 50 years with the possibility of parole. Conviction on a first-degree murder charge carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Blum's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Washington County Courthouse.

Warrants returned in a murder investigation indicate James Blum told police conflicting stories about how his wife died.

Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman said in court documents that Blum, 70, called 911 on Monday at 2:12 p.m., reporting he thought he had killed his wife, Patricia Blum, 67, by smothering her. She had no pulse and was not breathing, he said.

When emergency personnel arrived at the couple's home at 1009 E. Washington St. (Highway 92), Goodman said, they found Patricia Blum slumped over a coffee table with her coat on.

Officers initialy left the home, but Blum asked them to re-enter and see if the house keys were on a desk. The officer who checked saw a note there indicating that two individuals “caused this” and that “I killed Patty.”

The home and garage were secured and a warrant obtained, Goodman said.

When questioned by police, Blum said his wife had attempted to leave the house but had backed the couple's car into the garage. Blum said he then pushed his wife onto the couch face first and smothered her. Blum said he did not call 911 for more than 20 minutes after that.

Blum faces a second-degree murder charge and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

A first-degree murder charge alleges intent and premeditation, whereas a second-degree murder charge does not. The prison time for second-degree murder, upon conviction, is 50 years with the possibility of parole. Conviction on a first-degree murder charge carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Blum's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Washington County Courthouse.