Authorities in Texas say a man who allegedly confessed to killing his wife lived in their home with her decomposing body for more than a month before his arrest.
Charles Vandoil Byrd, 49, was taken into custody last week and charged with tampering with evidence involving a human corpse in connection to the death of his wife, Angela Byrd, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime.
Investigators with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office say Byrd claimed he came home early on June 16 to surprise his wife, but instead found signs suggesting she was expecting another man. That alleged suspicion, according to authorities, led to a confrontation that turned violent.
Court documents obtained by KSAT, San Antonio’s ABC affiliate, state that Byrd told detectives he “perceived cues” that Angela was anticipating a male visitor. During the ensuing argument, Byrd reportedly said he choked Angela with his hands and bit her face multiple times, ultimately resulting in her death.
When asked why he believed his wife was being unfaithful, Byrd allegedly directed investigators to examine her cellphone, which he said was in their bedroom.
The investigation began on July 21 after a concerned relative contacted police, saying Byrd had made disturbing remarks implying he had killed Angela. Deputies responded to the couple’s home on Pleasanton Road shortly after midnight and were let in by the relative, who had not entered the house.
Once inside, deputies immediately smelled the strong odor of decomposition and soon discovered a body — believed to be Angela Byrd — wrapped in plastic, carpet, blankets, and secured with ratchet straps.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner will officially confirm the identity and determine the cause of death through an autopsy.
In a press conference, Sheriff Javier Salazar said Byrd provided detailed statements to investigators about the fatal altercation and admitted to living in the home with the body for 32 days, attempting to mask the odor and offering excuses to visiting relatives.
“He was very matter-of-fact as he described this violent encounter,” Salazar said. “At times, he tried to explain away the smell, and he took certain steps to cover it up.”
At the time of his arrest, Byrd was working as a janitor for a San Antonio school district. A district spokesperson confirmed he had no direct contact with students and has since been terminated from his position.
Byrd is currently being held in the Bexar County Jail on $200,000 bond. Authorities said additional charges, including murder, are expected pending the autopsy results.
