Man accused in wife's death faces reduced charges

Man accused in wife's death faces reduced charges

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Prosecutors in central Missouri's Boone County have reduced the charges against an 88-year-old man accused of stabbing his wife to death.

KMIZ-TV reported that Donald Rowland of Columbia had been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death last Oct. 31 of 86-year-old Betty Rowland. But prosecutors Thursday amended that charge to involuntary manslaughter.

Authorities have said an adult daughter called police after going to the couple's home and finding her parents together in bed, both with stab wounds. Betty Rowland died at the scene.

Police say Rowland told officers he killed his wife and tried to take his own life because he didn't want them to be a burden on their family.

Rowland's attorney, J.R. Hobbs, declined to discuss Thursday's developments with The Associated Press.

Information from: KMIZ-TV, http://www.kmiz.com