GLOVERSVILLE – A city man has been charged with killing his wife, who was found dead Wednesday at the couple’s home at 35 Steele Ave., city police said this morning.
Frank A. Ostrander, 70, confessed to killing his wife, Sally A. Ostrander, 70, Wednesday morning, and was charged with second-degree murder and sent to the Fulton County Jail without bail, police said today.
The Ostranders own the two-family house at 35 Steele Ave. and had been married for 51 years, police said. No one else lived with the Ostranders at the time of the incident, police said.
Police said an associate of Frank Ostrander may have some knowledge about the incident. Police are asking people to come forward if they saw a silver 2002 Ford Escape or a gray 2010 Hyundai Elantra near the crime scene or surrounding area. Police are looking for information regarding descriptions of the occupants of the vehicles, according to a news release.
Police said Sally Ostrander appeared to have been violently assaulted and there was evidence of a struggle.
Police Chief Donald VanDeusen confirmed the woman was allegedly struck in the head with a blunt object and stabbed in the back with a sharp object. The information was cited in a felony complaint filed with City Court.
Police would not give a motive for the killing.
A?news release from police stated they are looking for the weapons.
Frank Ostrander called 911 after the incident, police said.
At 12:42 p.m. Wednesday, officers from the city Police Department, members of the Ambulance Service of Fulton County and the city Fire Department responded to the Steele Avenue home for a report of a medical emergency involving an unconscious person inside the first-floor apartment.
Officers found the deceased woman inside the apartment and secured the residence.
“She was found beaten and bloody at the time,” VanDeusen said this morning.
“It was easy to see there was a violent struggle that had ensued there, and we’ll leave it at that,” VanDeusen said at a news conference this morning.
District Attorney Chad Brown said the specifics about the interview with Frank Ostrander and what led up to the confession could not be released this morning.
Police Capt. Marc Porter wouldn’t comment on whether there were previous domestic disputes between Frank and Sally Ostrander. However, police said they had been called to the address previously but not a significant number of times.
The second-floor apartment was occupied at the time of the killing, police said, and the residents were interviewed.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family. No family should have to deal with this type of tragedy. It’s an unspeakable tragedy,” VanDeusen said.
“We want the public to know as soon as possible that this is not a random act,” Porter said, adding no residents are in danger.
Police were assisted at the scene by the state police and Fulton County Coroner Margaret Luck. Other outside agencies, including the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, are helping with the investigation, police said.
Anyone with information related to the case may contact the city Police Department at 773-4506 or 736-2100, or the Fulton County Crime Tips Line at 736-5951.
