INDIAN ROCKS BEACH – An Indian Rocks Beach man was arrested July 22 after telling Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies he had murdered his wife.
Deputies responded to a call about 6:30 p.m. July 21 and found David R. Ernst, 45, being treated by paramedics. Ernst had reportedly tried to kill himself by taking unknown medications. He was taken to a local hospital where he is being guarded by deputies, according to the sheriff’s report. When he is released, he will be charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Darlene M. Mayfield, 59.
While investigating the attempted suicide, deputies learned Ernst had made statements to a neighbor that he had killed his wife. When deputies entered the residence to check on Ernst’s wife, they discovered a woman’s decomposing body in the bathtub of the upstairs bathroom. They immediately notified Homicide Unit detectives who took over the investigation.
The body was badly decomposed and detectives could not immediately make identification, or observe any obvious signs of trauma. Detectives confirmed the body was Mayfield’s on July 22, and her next of kin was notified.
Detectives also interviewed Ernst, who allegedly confessed he had suffocated his wife approximately two weeks ago during an argument then placed her in the bathtub. He told detectives he had wanted to commit suicide and attempted it by taking a large amount of medication. He then went to a neighbor and told him what he had done.
The investigation continues.
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