WARREN, Mich. – A Warren man openly admitted that he killed his wife with a pillow at their home, police said.
Officers said they were called around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, to a home in the 24000 block of Loretta Avenue, near Stephens and Ryan roads.
They had received a call from James Michael Hentges, 71, of Warren. He told them that he had killed his 70-year-old wife several hours prior.
Hentges told police he had then tried to kill himself by overdosing and cutting his wrists.
Warren police took Hentges into custody without incident when they arrived at the home. He had bandages on his wrists.
Officers went inside the home and discovered the body of Cheryl Ann Hentges. Macomb County prosecutors say she was smothered to death with a pillow.
Warren firefighters took James Hentges to a nearby hospital. He was medically cleared and brought to the Warren Police Department jail.
Hentges again admitted to killing his wife during an interview with investigators, according to a release. He has no previous criminal history.
Hentges was charged Monday with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, which is punishable by up to life in prison without parole.
He was arraigned Tuesday at 37th District Court and pleaded not guilty. A judge denied bond, and Hentges was remanded to custody.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. July 25.
