(Rock Valley)– A first degree murder charge has been filed against a Rock Valley man in connection with the death of his estranged wife.
51-year-old Phil Termaat is being held in the Sioux county jail.
Authorities say the body of 44-year-old Melinda Persons-Termaat was found around 6:00 a.m. Thursday on a recreational trail in Rock Valley. He was arrested without incident.
An autopsy determined Persons-Termaat died of strangulation.
Acquaintenances say Persons-Termaat moved to Rock Valley about a year ago from Massachusetts.
It isn’t certain if she and her husband were separated or divorced.
A friend believes Persons-Termaat either filed for an annulment or had one finalized last week.
