A HEATED argument over money and liquor triggered a man to kill his wife inside their residence in Barangay Luna, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental early Thursday, January 10.
Police identified the fatality as Violeta Hernalin, 64.
Chief Inspector Robert Mansueto, city police chief, said the victim was sleeping at 1 a.m. when she was allegedly attacked by her husband Jose, 69, with an axe.
The suspect hit the victim on her mouth, but it went through her neck, causing her death.
Mansueto said the victim and her alleged mentally-ill husband had an argument after the latter found out that his money amounting to P150 and three bottles of liquors were kept by his wife, based on the statement of their neighbors.
They have no other companions at home when the incident happened.
Mansueto said the suspect fled but the police arrested him in a pursuit operation.
The weapon he used in the crime was recovered from the scene.
The suspect was previously tagged in the theft incidents in the area but no complaints were filed against him, Mansueto said.
They cannot also tell if the victim was physically abused by the suspect since there was no report to the police, Mansueto added.
Mansueto said the suspect is detained at the police station and will face parricide charges.