In Northwest Washington, D.C., an 85-year-old man is accused of fatally stabbing his 81-year-old wife in the back following an argument over pancakes, officials announced on Friday, December 15, 2023. The incident, involving Steven Schwartz and his wife Sharron Hilda Schwartz, occurred in their apartment near Corcoran Street and 13th Street.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. reported that the argument started when Steven Schwartz, who had recently been hospitalized and lost a significant amount of weight, refused to eat the pancakes prepared by Mrs. Schwartz. Concerned about her husband’s health, his wife insisted he eat to regain strength, leading to an escalation of the argument.
Police were called to the scene around 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, December 10, 2023. They discovered Mrs. Schwartz near the front door with a fatal stab wound. Steven Schwartz was found upstairs with self-inflicted injuries. Both were transported to the hospital, where Sharron was pronounced dead.
Steven’s stepson, who called 911 after neighbors alerted him to the disturbance, found his stepfather on his knees beside his wife. Initially believing she had fallen, he learned the truth when Schwartz handed over a knife and confessed to the stabbing.
During questioning, Steven Schwartz appeared confused and distressed. He expressed remorse and disbelief over his actions. He mentioned suffering from “eating diversion” and depression, and had recently experienced a stroke, affecting his mental and physical health.
In his statement, Schwartz admitted the argument began over his refusal to eat the pancakes and escalated when a plate was thrown against the wall. He then attacked his wife with a carving knife. Despite his self-inflicted injuries, his condition was stable. He was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.
Steven Schwartz, who had been married to his wife for 40 years, pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was ordered held without bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 2, 2024.
