Husband charged with murder after wife found with 17 stab wounds
Kyle Long is accused of murdering his wife despite claiming she took her own life
An Ohio man has been arrested on a murder charge four months after his wife was found fatally stabbed in their London home.
Kyle Long, 35, was detained on Wednesday following an investigation into the death of 32-year-old Rachel Long.
Authorities originally responded to a 911 call from Kyle on 23 October, in which he claimed his wife had committed suicide.
According to the arrest warrant, Kyle alleged that Rachel had entered their master bathroom and begun stabbing herself in the face and neck. However, investigators discovered a scene that contradicted his account.
An autopsy revealed Rachel suffered at least 17 "multiple sharp force injuries," including wounds to her hands, determined to be defensive. Police also noted that the victim showed no prior indications of suicidal intent.
The couple had reportedly been moving toward a separation at the time of the incident. Rachel’s best friend, Brittany Mattox, shared that the mother of two was optimistic about the future.
“We knew that she was excited to leave," Mattox said. "She was making new relationships and friendships and looking forward to a new adventure as a solo single mom."
Rachel, a business owner and animal rescuer, had been texting friends about concert outfits just moments before her death.
Kyle Long appeared for arraignment on Friday, where a judge set bond at $1.5 million. His solicitor, Sam Shamansky, stated that his client denies any involvement, noting: "He has continuously maintained he did not cause her death, and he maintains that today."