COLUMBUS, Ohio (TCN) — A 77-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 15 years in connection with the fatal stabbing of his wife in November 2025.
According to WBNS, police found 64-year-old Mary Hill deceased in the home she shared with her husband, James Hill, on Nov. 9, 2025. James Hill was also injured and was transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment.
James Hill told investigators he met a woman on a dating site and exchanged naked pictures with her, WBNS reports, and on Nov. 9, she had texted him and threatened to release the images unless he paid her $15,000. He claimed he thought the only way he could get out of the situation was to kill himself and his wife.
He told investigators he approached his wife, who was at her computer, and rubbed her shoulders before stabbing her in the chest. He said he also tried to stab their dog but was unsuccessful, as the dog ran away.
Hill then told investigators he deleted several photos and documents from his computer, called 911, and then stabbed himself in the chest, per WBNS.
WSYX reported James Hill is a retired Ohio State University professor and was involved in the school’s music program. A former student said, “Everyone was shocked. Nobody could have seen this coming.”
On Oct. 28, Hill pleaded guilty to murder and cruelty to animals and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years, according to WBNS.
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