LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – An elderly man has been arrested and charged with the murder of his wife at the retirement community where they both resided. Richard Hayden, 81, allegedly struck his wife, Grace Hayden, multiple times in the head with a hammer, according to the criminal arrest warrant. The 71-year-old woman was found dead in her room at the Lindwood Estates Gracious Retirement Living in Lawrenceville.
Hayden was charged with felony murder, malice murder, and aggravated assault in connection with his wife’s death. The arrest warrant states that Hayden attacked his wife with a hammer, causing severe injuries that resulted in her death.
Gwinnett County police have not disclosed specific details about the lead-up to the alleged attack, but have indicated that it is believed to be a “domestic-related incident.” The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released the official cause of Grace Hayden’s death.
Prior to his arrest, Richard Hayden was receiving treatment at a nearby hospital for reasons unrelated to the incident, according to authorities. An order has been granted for bail, and the investigation into the case is ongoing.
The tragic incident at the retirement community has left the residents and their families shocked and grieving. The senseless act of violence has raised concerns about safety and security at similar facilities, prompting calls for increased security measures and support for elderly residents in retirement communities.
The community and law enforcement authorities are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and to provide support for those affected by the tragic event. As the investigation unfolds, more details about the case are expected to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating crime.