Blackmail Plot Unfolds As Retired Professor Accused Of Stabbing Wife To Death

A 76-year-old retired professor faces charges for the fatal stabbing of his 64-year-old wife, Mary Kathleen Hill, claiming he was compelled to act due to a dire predicament. Authorities in Columbus, Ohio, reported that James Hill felt murder was his only option to escape a looming scandal involving threats connected to a woman he met via a dating app. On November 9, police responded to a 911 call from their Upper Arlington residence, where they found Mary Hill deceased. James was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted stab wound. He recounted to detectives that the woman had demanded $15,000 in Apple gift cards, threatening to expose intimate photos unless he complied. Utilizing a kitchen knife, Hill admitted to the attack, sharing that he had previously begun comforting his wife with a shoulder rub before the sudden violence. His former student expressed disbelief, stating that Hill was typically a composed figure, highlighting the tragedy's shocking nature. Hill now faces severe legal consequences, potentially resulting in a life sentence.