A 58-year-old North Carolina woman has been charged with attempted first-degree murder after investigators say she admitted to attacking her husband while he slept because of alleged financial difficulties. (Credit: Rowan County Sheriff's Office)
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. - A 58-year-old North Carolina woman has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after investigators say she admitted to attacking her husband while he slept and planned to kill him before setting their home on fire.
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According to the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded at approximately 2:52 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to the intersection of Godbey Road and Woodleaf Road to assist Rowan County EMS.
When deputies arrived, they found Jerry Marlowe receiving medical treatment for a severe laceration to his neck that extended to his shoulder.
His wife, Paula Marlowe, told deputies that her husband had awakened her and said he needed to go to the hospital because he was bleeding.
She said she was driving him for medical treatment when they encountered emergency responders.
During the investigation, detectives interviewed Paula. According to the Sheriff's Office, she confessed to assaulting her husband while he was asleep.
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Investigators said Paula told them she intended to kill her husband, set the residence on fire, and then take her own life because of alleged financial difficulties.
Detectives determined the plan was interrupted when she became frightened during the assault and left the bedroom before carrying out the remainder of what she described.
What's next:
Jerry suffered serious injuries but survived the attack.
Authorities said he is receiving medical treatment and is expected to recover. His family has been notified and is aware of both the investigation and Paula Marlowe's statement to investigators.
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Following the interview, Paula was taken into custody without incident. She has been charged with attempted first-degree murder.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the Rowan County Sheriff's Office said additional charges may be filed as more information becomes available.
The Source: This story is based on information released by the Rowan County Sheriff's Office. This story was reported from Los Angeles.