🕯️ BARNEGAT MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE; COURT RECORDS DETAIL INVESTIGATION 🕯️
William Garvin of Barnegat faces murder charges for allegedly strangling his wife, Eileen Garvin, during an argument over a fish pond. Police found the suspect with a self-inflicted stab wound near his wife's body at their Windward Drive home.
New details have emerged in the investigation into the death of a 69-year-old Barnegat woman, after court records described statements allegedly made by her husband following the fatal incident.
William Garvin, 67, is charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife, Eileen Garvin, 69, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the probable cause affidavit, investigators believe the fatal incident occurred at the couple’s Windward Drive home following an altercation. Court records state that Eileen Garvin was allegedly strangled at approximately 11 a.m. on September 7, with police arriving at the residence several hours later.
When officers entered the home, they reportedly found William Garvin sitting in a chair with a knife protruding from his chest. Eileen Garvin was found deceased on the floor.
According to the affidavit, Garvin allegedly told officers, “she deserved it,” after they discovered his wife. While being escorted from the residence, he reportedly told nearby neighbors that he had killed his wife.
Investigators said Garvin later told an officer at the hospital that an argument had begun after he became upset that his wife had drained his fish pond. According to the affidavit, he said he confronted her, pushed her into a door and that the confrontation escalated after she threatened to call police.
The couple had reportedly been separated for several years but continued living together. Their daughter told investigators that the pair frequently argued verbally but that she was not aware of previous physical violence. Court documents also state that Eileen Garvin had filed for divorce in July.
Investigators reportedly discovered a handwritten note inside the home addressed to the couple’s daughters and other family members. The note expressed love and asked for forgiveness while describing the writer's claimed unhappiness in the relationship.
Authorities previously said Garvin's chest wound appeared to be self-inflicted. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and was served with a murder complaint-warrant. He is expected to be held in the Ocean County Jail following his release from medical care, pending further court proceedings.
⚖️ Garvin is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The allegations outlined in the affidavit are not findings of guilt.