Columbia man charged with murder in death of his wife

A Columbia man is charged with murder in the stabbing death of his wife Friday afternoon.

88-year-old Donald Rowland is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action after allegedly stabbing his wife, Betty at 3426 Woodrail Terrace in Columbia. Rowland is being held on a $1 million cash bond.

Investigators were initially called for a man with a gunshot wound after 12:00 Friday afternoon.

According to court documents, the couple was found lying in bed. Betty was found with stab wounds to her chest. Donald appeared to have self-inflicted wounds.

A witness removed two knives from the bed.

Court documents said Donald told investigators he didn’t want himself and Betty to be a burden on their family.

Neighbors said the Rowlands were both in their mid-late 80s, and Betty was wheelchair bound following a stroke. The man is a retired colonel.

The couple’s adult daughter discovered them in their home Friday afternoon.

Family members who showed up to the scene were taken away by police.

Stay with ABC 17 for the latest on this developing story.