In a deeply disturbing case from Texas, a man has been arrested after allegedly admitting to killing his wife and living with her dead body in their home for more than 30 days. Authorities say he tried to hide the smell and lied to family members, but was finally caught after a concerned relative contacted the police.
What Happened?
Charles V. Byrd, 49, is currently in jail and has been charged with tampering with evidence involving a human corpse. The victim is believed to be his wife, Angela Byrd. While official identification is still pending, police say Charles admitted to the killing during questioning.
According to investigators, the incident began on June 16 when Charles Byrd came home earlier than expected. He claimed he wanted to surprise his wife but suspected she was planning to meet another man. An argument broke out between the couple, which escalated into violence.
Byrd allegedly told police that he choked Angela and bit her face during the altercation. He also directed investigators to her phone, saying it would contain proof of her supposed cheating.
How Police Found the Body
The case came to light just after midnight on a Sunday when one of Angela’s relatives called police, saying Charles had made alarming comments suggesting he may have harmed his wife. Deputies from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the home on Pleasanton Road and were let in by the relative.
As soon as officers entered, they noticed a strong odor of decomposition. They found a body wrapped in plastic, carpet, and blankets, tied with ratchet straps — believed to be Angela Byrd.
Living With the Body for Over a Month
During a press conference, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Charles Byrd lived in the home with the body for 32 days. He even tried to cover up the smell and made excuses when family members asked about it.
“He was calm while explaining the violent incident,” the sheriff added, noting that Byrd provided several details about the night of the killing.
More Charges Likely
At the moment, Byrd is only facing a charge of tampering with evidence with the intent to impair a human body, but police expect more serious charges, such as murder, once the autopsy results confirm the victim’s identity and cause of death.
Byrd is being held in the Bexar County Jail with a bond set at $200,000. After his arrest, he was fired from his job as a janitor in a San Antonio school district. Authorities confirmed he had no direct contact with students.
This case is both shocking and heartbreaking. The tragic death of Angela Byrd and the disturbing details of how her body was hidden for weeks has deeply affected the local community. Police are continuing to investigate, and more serious charges are expected soon.
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking up when something feels wrong — as one concerned family member’s call led to the discovery of the crime.
