Bristol Borough man charged with killing his wife inside their home

BRISTOL BOROUGH, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Bristol Borough man is charged with homicide after investigators say he strangled his wife inside their home, according to court documents.

Police responded to a residence in the 1300 block of Wood Street at about 6:30 a.m. Thursday after Dawn Myers' son reported finding his mother dead inside the home.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, officers found Dawn Myers in a second-floor bedroom with multiple men's neckties around her neck.

Authorities charged her husband, Michael Myers, with homicide and took him into custody.

Court documents state that Dawn Myers' son told investigators that Michael Myers, his stepfather, had recently been hospitalized after threatening suicide and was released Wednesday afternoon.

The son said the hospital told Dawn Myers that Michael Myers was a "low threat."

The couple, known in their Bristol Borough neighborhood, were remembered by friends and community members as caring and well-liked.

"They always had a smile on their face. They would do anything for anybody at any time," one community member said.

Residents said the couple regularly attended the St. Ann's church carnival. According to neighbors, Michael Myers volunteered there.

Donny Petolillo, owner of Cesare's Restaurante, said he knew Michael Myers through work.

"He worked for me. He painted the hallway in the restaurant. I mean they were normal people. When I heard this... this is a true tragedy," Petolillo said.

The case also prompted discussion about mental health services among some residents.

"I think there's a lot more work that has to be done for mental health. Really. It's tragic," said Sharon Lalli of Bristol.

Dawn Myers was remembered by community members as a devoted wife and mother.

"Just a mild-mannered person. Never had a bad word about anybody," Bristol Borough Council member Ralph DiGuiseppe said.

"The kids lost a mother and they lost a father," he added.

Lalli also reflected on the couple's impact on those around them.

"She just cared. They both did. They both had a heart of caring," she said.

While many residents spoke positively about Michael Myers, one neighbor who declined to be identified said she knew him to be combative.

Michael Myers remains jailed in Bucks County after being denied bail. He is scheduled to return to court later this month for a preliminary hearing.