A Blenheim man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife.
Emergency personnel were called to a fire at a residence at 58 Nichols Drive in Blenheim on March 24. The body of 73-year-old Margaret Ardis was found inside. Her husband was taken to hospital with injuries.
On Friday, Chatham-Kent police charged 78-year-old Walter Ardis with murder after an autopsy in London revealed her death was not related to the fire.
He is being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.
While police are not releasing any further details about the case, the fire caused about $150,000 damage.
Neighbours on Nichols Drive say the whole situation is scary.
One witness told CTV News that Ardis seemed disoriented during the fire.
"He didn't know what was going on. We asked him if his wife was in the house. He didn't know. He said he hadn't seen her since the day before."
While the neighbourhood is quiet this weekend, some neighbours remain shaken.
"It's very frightening when you know that someone has committed a crime".
