PORT HURON, MI. (AP) -- A 91-year-old man has been charged with open murder in the death of his wife, who police say suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Benno Zoch of Fort Gratiot was arraigned on Tuesday at Port Huron Hospital.
The Times Herald reports Zoch has been in the hospital since Nov. 27, when police say he strangled his wife, 87-year-old Taimi Zoch, then slit his wrists in a suicide attempt. A forensic evaluation to determine if Benno Zoch is competent to stand trial is expected Wednesday. He faces life in prison if convicted.
Defense attorney Michael West says Zoch is disoriented and doesn't understand why he's been charged with murder.
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