Victim Identified in Salem Strangulation Case, Suspect Ordered Held Without Bail: DA

SALEM, MA — A man suspected to be homeless turned himself in to Salem Police for allegedly strangling and killing his estranged wife, according to the Essex County District Attorney's office.

According to the District Attorney's office; Douglas Steeves, 50, turned himself in to the Salem Police Station after police found a 48-year-old woman dead at a home at 11 Chandler St. The woman was identified as Carmela Saunders.

Saunders had obtained a restraining order against Steeves in May.

A plea of not guilty was made on his behalf to charges of murder and violating a restraining order in Salem District Court Tuesday. Judge Matthew Machera ordered him held without bail.

The victim was transported to Salem Hospital from her Chandler Street home. She was pronounced dead at the hospital, the release said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the likely cause of death was strangulation.

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