San Antonio, TX — A Texas man is behind bars after reportedly admitting to killing his wife and living with her decomposing body for over a month, according to law enforcement officials.
Charles Vandoil Byrd, 49, was arrested Sunday after authorities discovered the body of his wife, 44-year-old Angela Byrd, wrapped in plastic, carpet, and blankets at their home. Investigators say the body had been there for weeks and was secured with ratchet straps, emitting a strong odor of decomposition.
During a press conference, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Byrd confessed to authorities that he and his wife were involved in a physical altercation on June 16, which he claimed led to her death. Byrd reportedly told reporters outside court that he had suffered a “mental break,” adding, “I’m so sorry. I loved my wife.”
Deputies responded to the home after a concerned relative contacted police, stating Byrd “may have done something” to Angela. The relative also mentioned smelling a foul odor coming from the home. Byrd was not immediately found but was later apprehended outside the residence with his hands raised, authorities said.
Byrd has been charged with tampering with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse. Sheriff Salazar noted that additional charges, including murder, are likely pending the results of an autopsy to confirm the identity and cause of death.
Angela Byrd’s body was taken for examination by the medical examiner, who will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Charles Byrd was employed as a janitor in a local San Antonio school district before being terminated following his arrest. Officials confirmed he had no direct contact with students.
Byrd is currently being held at Bexar County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
