Vivian Stewart Nation, 80, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his 78-year-old wife, Beverly Rose Fletcher, following a violent argument at their Montgomery County, Maryland, apartment, police said.
The incident occurred on Saturday during the holiday weekend and reportedly began with a disagreement over an issue related to Nation’s doctor, according to charging documents.
Nation, who resides with his wife in Leisure World — a retirement community in Silver Spring for those 55 and older — told authorities that the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, he pushed Fletcher to the floor, where she may have struck her head. He then reportedly pressed a hammer against her neck, the documents say.
Police responded to the couple’s apartment at 3310 North Leisure World Boulevard shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday. A security officer from Leisure World and Nation met officers upon their arrival.
Inside the apartment, officers found a knife and screwdriver, both stained with what appeared to be blood, near Fletcher’s body in a home office area. A hammer was found resting on her neck.
Police said Fletcher died from multiple stab wounds and potentially other blunt force injuries.
Nation was taken to Montgomery County Police headquarters in Gaithersburg for questioning and was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.
