67-year-old St. Paul man charged with killing wife

A 67-year-old St. Paul man was charged Thursday with unintentional second-degree murder in the death of his wife, the Ramsey County Attorney's Office said.

Gerald Wassenaar has been at Regions Hospital since his wife, 67-year-old Jean Andrine Wassenaar, was found dead in the couple's home Monday evening.

According to the criminal complaint, Gerald Wassenaar was found Monday evening in Lake Elmo sitting in his stalled car. A Washington County sheriff's deputy reported Wassenaar was confused and drove him home. When they arrived, Wassenaar refused to go inside the house, at first saying that his wife was sleeping.

Later that night, a neighbor called police, who found Wassenaar outside his home. His wife's body was inside.

The Ramsey County medical examiner said Jean Wassenaar's death was a homicide and that she suffered traumatic injuries to her scalp and internal neck region.

The criminal complaint also said Gerald Wassenaar told police he killed his wife.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.