White Pine, Tennessee – A Philadelphia woman is facing charges after allegedly killing a 72-year-old widower in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, stealing his Mercedes, and driving it 600 miles to Tennessee. Meghan Macklin, 45, is accused of posing as the man’s deceased wife after the crime. Bucks County prosecutors announced the charges against Macklin, including first-degree murder, robbery, theft, and abuse of a corpse. She has been held on $500,000 cash bail in Tennessee pending extradition to Pennsylvania.
The investigation began on Oct. 7 when a potential buyer of the victim’s house discovered his body with stab wounds and lacerations. Authorities later found Richard MacFarland dead at his home in Wrightstown, Pennsylvania. Upon further inspection, they found evidence of an attempt to disguise the stab wounds that ended his life. The District Attorney’s office noted that Macklin appeared to have killed MacFarland in a bedroom before moving his body.
Macklin’s efforts to evade detection came to an end when a convenience store employee in White Pine, Tennessee, reported her for stealing food. She identified herself as the victim’s late wife, Janet MacFarland, who had passed away in 2019. Police discovered that the Mercedes she was driving had been reported stolen and was linked to MacFarland’s homicide. Investigators were able to match Macklin’s DNA to various items found at the crime scene in Pennsylvania.
While Macklin remains in custody, authorities are asking anyone with information about the homicide or her whereabouts between Oct. 4 and 7 to come forward. The case highlights the tragic events that unfolded, showcasing the meticulous work of law enforcement to piece together the details of this heinous crime. As the investigation continues, the community seeks justice for MacFarland and closure for his loved ones affected by this senseless act of violence.