Michigan man accused of smothering his wife to death with pillow and trying to take his own life

WARREN, Mich. (TCN) -- A 71-year-old man is in custody after allegedly fatally smothering his wife with a pillow and calling 911 to report her death.

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 13, James Hentges called Warren Police Dispatch and said he had killed his wife, Cheryl Hentges, inside their home several hours prior. Following her death, he allegedly tried to take his own life by slitting his wrists.

Officers responded to the scene and immediately took James Hentges into custody without incident. Police observed bandages on the suspect’s wrists "consistent with a suicide attempt." Authorities entered the home and found Hentges’ wife deceased.

Hentges was transported to a hospital, medically cleared, and returned to the Warren Police Department Jail. He reportedly admitted to investigators that he killed his wife, and the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged him with one count of first-degree murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.

Hentges appeared in court for his arraignment on July 16, and a judge denied him bond. He is expected in court again on July 25.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said, "This tragic incident has left a family shattered and a community in mourning. Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones as we pursue justice for this unimaginable act."

According to police, Hentges does not have any previous criminal convictions.