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911 Calls: Man Admits to Killing Wife, Stabbing Himself

Updated: Thursday, February 14 2013, 08:21 PM EST
COLUMBUS -- A grandfather is now facing a murder charge after he called 911 this week to tell dispatchers he fatally stabbed his wife.

ABC 6/FOX 28 obtained 911 calls made from Leif Mortensen, 72, Wednesday afternoon from his home on Kingpin Dr.

"I just killed my wife," Mortensen told the dispatcher. "I tried to stab myself in the throat."

"Was this an accident or did you do this on purpose?" asked the dispatcher during the seven minute emergency call.

"I did it on purpose," Mortensen answered calmly. "I just did it. That's all. I don't know why."

Police say Mortensen stabbed his wife Margaret, 74, several times in the head and chest. Mortensen told dispatchers he left the knife on the kitchen sink as his wife lay on the kitchen floor.

Preliminary autopsy reports indicate Margaret has cuts on her arms, suggesting she may have tried to defend herself during the attack.

Mortensen told the dispatcher he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the murder, and had never hurt himself or his wife until Wednesday.

Court records show the Mortensens had not filed for divorce, and neighbors described them as a happy couple.

The Mortensens are believed to have renewed their wedding vows at Saint Anthony Parish in March, 2012.

Detectives say they must still pull the couple's medical records and listen to the 911 tapes themselves before completing their investigation.

Leif Mortensen is listed in critical condition at a central Ohio hospital.

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Reporter: Lisa Rantala
Web Producer: Ken Hines911 Calls: Man Admits to Killing Wife, Stabbing Himself