An elderly man of 89 years, suffering from dementia, passed away just a few days after he allegedly strangled his wife of seven decades to death using a bath towel in a small town in upstate New York, as per local law enforcement.
On August 29, around 2:30 in the afternoon, the Penn Yan Police Department responded to a distress call from a residence. A home health aide had discovered the lifeless body of Jane Salyer, also 89, on the bathroom floor of her house, a bath towel wrapped around her neck. The authorities believe that her husband, Ronald Salyer, was responsible for her death. His hands bore bruises that suggested he had been pulling on something, as reported by Chief Thomas Dunham to a local NBC affiliate in Rochester.
Ronald Salyer was also found in the bathroom, alive but in a critical condition. According to the police chief, the couple had been on the bathroom floor for a minimum of two days. Ronald was rushed to a hospital where he was admitted to palliative care and passed away on September 1.
The police believe that Ronald Salyer’s dementia was a significant factor in the tragic incident. However, since he never regained consciousness after being discovered, the detectives were unable to question him. Jane Salyer was reportedly in good health prior to her untimely death. The police records showed no previous instances of domestic violence or any criminal history involving the couple.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident but have no other suspects at this time. They expressed their condolences to the Salyer family in their official statement.
A neighbor and Jane Salyer’s hairstylist, Jessica Paquette, was with the home health aide when the bodies were discovered. Jane had missed a hair appointment, prompting Paquette and the aide to check on her. They found the back door of the house open, leading them to the grim discovery. The incident has left the community, located about 50 miles northwest of Ithaca, in shock.
Jane and Ronald Salyer were married on December 23, 1952, in Burdett, New York, according to Jane’s obituary. She had worked as a bookkeeper at Agway Home Center for two decades and was known for her love of quilting, sewing, and embroidery. She was also a member of the Bluff Point United Methodist Church.