Man accused of murdering wife and hiding body for weeks said he wanted to 'go big' with first crime
Charles Byrd, 49, was arrested on Sunday after a concerned relative told police he 'may have done something' to his wife, Angela Byrd, 44, that ultimately killed her, according to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar.
Deputies then swarmed his home and were immediately greeted by the foul odor of rotting flesh.
They soon came across what they believe to be Angela's dead body wrapped in plastic.
While her family has been notified, Salazar said investigators are still waiting for the medical examiners to confirm the remains are Angela's.
After a day-long manhunt, the alleged killer was apprehended about a mile from his house.
'One of the things that left a huge impression on me was when he detailed to the investigator that he had not been arrested before,' Salazar began.
'Then blurted out the comment to our investigator, "go big or go home" and that was pretty shocking to me.'
Footage shared by the sheriff's office showed Charles being escorted toward a cop car by police as his hands and ankles were cuffed.
Meanwhile, a KSAT reporter questioned Charles about the horrifying situation. In response to her questioning, he mumbled: 'I'm so sorry. I loved my wife.'
He also claimed he was having a 'mental break' and apologized to his children.
Charles was officially charged with tampering with evidence with intent to impair a human corpse.
At least one additional murder charge is pending, but investigators must wait for the medical examiner to rule Angela's death a homicide.
Salazar also said 'several other arrests' were made in relation to Angela's case, but he did not name any of the other suspects or how they were allegedly involved.
Investigators' had a chilling interaction with Charles, during which he explained 'a physical attack' on his wife that occurred around June 16.
No further information about the nature of this altercation was revealed.
'He then over the last 30 days, 32 days if my math is correct, spent that entire time living in this residence with the corpse of Mrs. Byrd, at times taking certain steps to mask the odor,' he claimed.
Charles also had allegedly lied to several family members about the source of the gut-wrenching scent.
The sheriff also described Charles' demeanor as 'matter of fact' as he outlined the violent encounter between him and his wife.
Charles remains at the Bexar County Jail. As of Sunday, when Salazar held a press conference, the suspect does not have a lawyer.
He is also awaiting a mental health evaluation.
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