Veterinary Costs For Cat Led To Fatal Elderly Beating: Montco DA

LOWER POTTSGROVE TOWNSHIP, PA — A conflict over veterinary costs for the family cat ended in a Montgomery County man beating his elderly wife to death last week, police said.

Barton Seltmann, 84, was charged with first degree murder in the death of Margaret Seltmann, also 84.

The incident occurred inside the couple's home on North Keim Road in Lower Pottsgrove Township at around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The couple were arguing about the financial cost of veterinary care for the cat, the District Attorney's Office said.

At some point the verbal arguement turned physical, with Barton Seltmann striking his wife "multiple times on the head" while she was lying on the floor, according to investigators.

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office ruled that Margaret Seltmann's cause of death was blunt force injuries.

Police on the scene said they found Barton on the back porch with blood on his hands, face, and clothing.

He was booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 5.