Rodney Olmsted, 65, has been charged with open murder in connection with the death of his wife, Rosa Mercedes Olmsted, 58, after Allegan County Sheriff's deputies discovered her body in the basement of their Valley Township, Michigan home on July 24, according to court documents obtained by WWMT.
Background
Deputies were requested to conduct a welfare check at the Olmsteds' residence on July 23 following concerns raised by Rosa Olmsted's son, who told police he had not heard from his mother since July 16. A neighbor reported having last seen Rosa on July 5, and her workplace confirmed she did not show up for work on July 20.
During the initial welfare check on July 23, deputies were unable to make contact with anyone at the residence. Neighbors went to the home out of concern but no one answered the door; however, they reported hearing someone walking inside.
The following day, neighbors planned to report Rosa Olmsted missing after her son told them he feared Rodney Olmsted had "done something to her." When deputies returned to the property, they observed blood on the wall and debris on the floor before forcing their way inside.
Neighbors of the Olmsteds told police that Rodney Olmsted had a history of being aggressive with his wife, according to court documents.
The Investigation
Deputies found Rodney Olmsted in a bedroom "on his hands and knees with a large amount of blood on the floor," police said. He had reportedly cut his own wrists and neck.
Rosa Olmsted's body was discovered in a basement bedroom, covered with a blanket, "blood pooled around her head." Investigators observed blood spatter on a mirror, the headboard of the bed, and the wall behind the bed. A large knife was "lodged" in her neck, and an 18-inch wooden club covered in blood was found nearby.
According to court documents, Rodney Olmsted admitted to police that he strangled his wife before beating her in the head with the club. When he became concerned that Rosa Olmsted would use a voice-activated virtual assistant to call for help, he allegedly stabbed her in the neck and leg, authorities said.
The medical examiner determined that Rosa Olmsted likely died at least 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Key Takeaways
- Rodney Olmsted, 65, has been charged with open murder in his wife's death
- Rosa Mercedes Olmsted, 58, was found dead in the basement of their Valley Township home on July 24
- Police allege Olmsted strangled and beat his wife with an 18-inch wooden club before stabbing her to prevent her from using a voice-activated device to call for help
- Olmsted was discovered injured inside the home after cutting his own wrists and neck; he was treated at a hospital before being taken into custody
- Neighbors told police Olmsted had a history of aggression toward his wife
What's Next
Rodney Olmsted is being held at the Allegan County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond. His next court appearance was scheduled for Aug. 6 in Allegan County Circuit Court. The investigation remains ongoing.